A delayed diagnosis of Sheehan syndrome, presenting as chronic hypopituitarism

Abstract

Background: Sheehan syndrome is a rare but important cause of maternal hypopitutarism resulting from ischemic necrosis of the pituitary gland following severe postpartum hemorrhage. The diagnosis is often delayed due to non-specific clinical manifestations that may appear years after the inciting obstetric event. We report the instance of a middle-aged women presenting with features of chronic hypopituitarism, ultimately diagnosed as Sheehan syndrome. This report highlights the importance of detailed obstetric history and early endocrine evaluation in women presenting with unexplained multi system symptoms.