DefinitionPituitary 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.Alternative NamesPituitary apoplexyCauses, incidence, and risk factorsPituitary infarction is most commonly caused by bleeding due to a noncancerous 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 disordersDiabetesHead injuryRadiation to the pituitary glandUse of a breathing machineHowever, in most cases, the cause is not clear.SymptomsPituitary infarction usually has a short period of symptoms (acute), but it can be life-thr