• Hui Wang and Xingrui Gong.
• Department of Anesthesiology, Xiangyang Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Arts and Science, Xiangyang, Hubei, China.
• Medicine (Baltimore). 2023 Dec 1; 102 (48): e36294e36294.

RationalePatients with hypopituitarism often have no specific symptoms; that frequently results in missed diagnosis. An acute hypopituitarism crisis can be induced under stressful conditions. Here, we report a rare case of an acute pituitary crisis after lumbar surgery.Patient ConcernsWe describe a 62-year-old female who presented with refractory electrolyte disorders after lumbar surgery. In addition, she developed anorexia, nausea, vomiting, chest cavity effusion, ascites, pericardial effusion, anemia, low blood pressure, bradycardia, and unconsciousness after surgery. MRI showed an empty sella turcica.DiagnosesShe was diagnosed with postoperative acute hypopituitary crisis.InterventionsThe patient received hormone replacement therapy.OutcomesHer symptoms improved significantly following the initiation of hormone replacement therapy and was well 6 months after surgery.LessonsRefractory postoperative complications, including electrolyte disorders, infection, nausea, vomiting, circulatory collapse, anemia, and coma, indicate an acute postoperative hypopituitary crisis.Copyright © 2023 the Author(s). Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.

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