What is Empty Sella Syndrome?

Then the pituitary gland gets flat or shrinks, the condition is called empty sella sydrome. It becomes unable to be seen on MRI scans and happens with a hole in the membrane of the gland lets fluid in and has it pressing on the pituitary. It can occur in some obese women who have pseudotumor cerebri. It can also be due to damage from surgery, tumors, and radiation therapy.

Symptoms

There can be no symptoms, partial loss of gland function, or full loss of gland function. There can be other signs such as impotence, headaches, low libido, irregular menstruation, absent menstruation, or nipple discharge.

Diagnosis

It is more often than not seen while imaging for another condition. There may be a lumbar puncture or a retinal examination done.

Treatment

For secondary empty sella syndrome there may be replacement hormones given as treatment. For primary, there may not be treatment if the pituitary is still functioning correctly. There also may be medications to lower prolactin in the body such as bromocriptine.

Prognosis is good for primary empty sella syndrome, however there can be complications such as mild hyperprolactinemia. If there is any signs or symptoms of an abnormally functioning pituitary gland, like impotence or irregular periods, see your doctor for a complete exam. While these signs may be seen in other conditions, they may point to empty sella syndrome.

Source: A.D.A.M.