Psychosis as a late manifestation of Sheehan's syndrome

Abstract

Sheehan's syndrome occurs as a result of ischemic pituitary necrosis due to severe postpartum haemorrhage. It is one of the most common causes of hypopituitarism in underdeveloped or developing countries. Characteristic manifestations include failure to lactate or to resume menses, genital and axillary hair loss, asthenia and weakness, fine wrinkles around the eyes and lips, signs of premature aging, dry skin, hypopigmentation and other evidence of hypopituitarism. Uncommonly it can present with psychosis. There are only few case reports of psychoses in patients with Sheehan's syndrome. Our case report illustrates the relationship between psychosis and Sheehan's syndrome. The treatment challenges in managing Sheehan's syndrome and psychosis are discussed.

Keywords: Glucocorticoids; Psychosis; Sheehan syndrome; Thyroxin.