USMLE (United States Medical Licensing Examination) Step 1 Practice Exam

Which hormone deficiency can result from pituitary apoplexy?

1. Cortisol

2. Growth hormone

3. Insulin

4. Luteinizing hormone

The correct answer is: Growth hormone

Pituitary apoplexy is an acute hemorrhage or infarction of the pituitary gland, often associated with a pre-existing pituitary adenoma. This sudden event can lead to a deficiency in several hormones secreted by the pituitary gland, primarily affecting those hormones produced by the anterior pituitary. One of the key hormones that may be affected by pituitary apoplexy is growth hormone. The anterior pituitary produces growth hormone, and damage to this area from apoplexy can compromise its secretion. Consequently, individuals experiencing pituitary apoplexy may exhibit symptoms of growth hormone deficiency, which could include stunted growth in children, decreased muscle mass, and increased body fat. While cortisol and other hormones like luteinizing hormone can also be affected by pituitary apoplexy, growth hormone deficiency is particularly noted as a significant consequence due to the role of the anterior pituitary in producing this hormone and the direct impact of pituitary damage. Insulin is not produced by the pituitary gland; rather, it is secreted by the pancreas, making it irrelevant in the context of pituitary apoplexy.