Hydrocephalus complicating pituitary adenoma

Hydrocephalus complicated the clinical course of four patients with pituitary adenoma. In three it was noted late, long after surgical intervention and radiotherapy had been carried out. In one patient, hydrocephalus was part of the presenting syndrome. The differential diagnosis of hypopituitarism and occult hydrocephalus is difficult. The possibility of hydrocephalus complicating a pituitary adenoma constitutes another indication for arteriography before carrying out definitive treatment, or should the clinical course be unsatisfactory at any time.