Authors
Kirthika Lakshmanan, MS
OMS-3 Student
Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences
Kansas City, Missouri
Christine James, DO
Johnson County Medical Examiner Department
Medical University of South Carolina
Kansas City, Kansas
Primary Audience: Pathologists and Clinical Scientists
Secondary Audience: Residents, Laboratory Technologist/Scientist (Includes all sub-specialty areas), Students, Pathologist Assistants, Laboratory Directors and Educators
Upon completion of this activity, you will be able to:
· discern autopsy and histologic findings substantiating pituitary abscess as a causal factor for mortality;
· describe sinus cavity and pituitary gland anatomy in the context of its contribution as a precipitating factor for pituitary abscesses;
· identify the typical pathogenesis of pituitary abscess formation and common offending microorganisms;
· utilize antemortem clinical indicators and risk factors associated with pituitary abscess to guide autopsy;
· explain the significance of a thorough examination of the sella turcica and sinus cavities in diagnosing pituitary abscesses; and
· assess the obstacles and limitations associated with postmortem diagnosis of pituitary abscess to formulate an effective strategy for determining cause of death.