Definition of Pituitary infarction:

Pituitary infarction is the death of an area of tissue in the pituitary gland, a small gland joined to the hypothalamus (part of the brain). The pituitary produces many of the hormones that control essential body processes.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Pituitary infarction is most commonly caused by bleeding due to a non-cancerous tumor of the pituitary. When this bleeding occurs in a woman during or immediately after childbirth, it is called Sheehan syndrome.

Risk factors for pituitary infarction include:

• Bleeding disorders
• Diabetes
• Head injury
• Radiation to the pituitary gland
• Use of a breathing machine

However, in most cases, the cause is not clear.