DOI: 10.17343/sdutfd.1825323 ISSN: 1300-7416

Prolactinoma Background in Pituitary Apoplexy in Pregnancy: A Meta-Analytic Evaluation

Gültekin Baş, Ahmet Toygar Kalkan, Göknur Yorulmaz
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To systematically review the published cases of preg-nancy-associated pituitary apoplexy and describe theclinical features, tumor types, treatment approaches,and pregnancy outcomes.This systematic review was conducted in accordancewith the PRISMA guidelines. A comprehensive searchwas performed in PubMed and Google Scholar forstudies published between 2000 and 2025 reportingcases of pituitary apoplexy occurring during preg-nancy or the postpartum period. Seven studies metthe inclusion criteria. Data were analyzed regardingdemographic characteristics, tumor type, clinical pre-sentation, treatment approach, and maternal–fetaloutcomes.A total of 20 pregnant patients were identified. Themean age was 31.05 ± 5.11 years, and the mean ges-tational age at diagnosis was 26.2 ± 8.8 weeks. Pro-lactinoma was the most common tumor type (70%).Approximately 40% of patients underwent surgicaltreatment, while the remainder were managed medi-cally. All mothers survived, with neurological improve-ment observed in most cases. Fetal outcomes weregenerally favorable, and no perinatal mortality wasreported.Pregnancy-associated pituitary apoplexy is a rareclinical entity that most often develops in the contextof prolactinoma. With appropriate medical or surgicalmanagement, maternal and fetal prognoses are gen-erally good. Preconception counseling, careful dopa-mine agonist management, and multidisciplinary fol-low-up are crucial for women with pituitary adenomasplanning pregnancy.

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