Neuroendocrinology
Original Paper
Pituitary Function in the Empty Sella SyndromeBrismar K. · Efendič S.Department of Endocrinology, Karolinska Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
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Article / Publication Details
Received: May 20, 1980
Accepted: August 07, 1980
Published online: March 26, 2008
Issue release date: 1981
Number of Print Pages: 8
Number of Figures: 0
Number of Tables: 0
ISSN: 0028-3835 (Print)
eISSN: 1423-0194 (Online)
For additional information: https://www.karger.com/NEN
Abstract
The empty sella syndrome is defined as an intrasellar cisternal herniation in combination with a deformed and/or enlarged sella turcica, but without clinical signs of a pituitary adenoma. In the present study, the impact of the cisternal herniation on pituitary function was analyzed. Special emphasis was placed on the relationship between pituitary function and the size and shape of the sella and type of herniation. The diagnosis of the empty sella syndrome was verified by pneumoencephalography in 49 out of the 50 subjects examined. 15 (30%) exhibited pituitary dysfunction; 10% had panhypopituitarism, 10% isolated secondary hypogonadism with or without hyperprolactinemia, and another 8% hyperprolactinemia alone and 2% had isolated ACTH insufficiency. The observed pituitary disturbances were found in patients who had been examined for a variety of symptoms and were independent of the original reasons leading to radiological examination. Thus, pituitary dysfunction was noted in 6 out of 32 subjects (19%) originally examined for either neurological symptoms or whose sellar enlargement was found accidently. 2 had pituitary insufficiencies and 4 had hyperprolactinemia. These observations stress the importance of thorough evaluation of pituitary function in subjects with empty sella syndrome. Pituitary insufficiency was most often found in subjects with normal-sized sella. A ballooned sella was often observed in patients with normal pituitary function, whereas a deep sella was slightly more common in those with impaired pituitary function. Horizontal herniations were mostly seen in normal-sized sellae and extensive herniations in connection with deep sellae. However, the type of intrasellar herniation was not correlated to pituitary function. Demineralization and erosions of the sella turcica, indicating increased intracranial pressure and signs of disturbed cerebrospinal fluid circulation were seen in half of the patients and could not be related to pituitary function. On the other hand, the occurrence of panhypopituitarism was related to a history of meningoencephalitis or cerebrovascular accidents.
© 1981 S. Karger AG, Basel
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Article / Publication Details
Received: May 20, 1980
Accepted: August 07, 1980
Published online: March 26, 2008
Issue release date: 1981
Number of Print Pages: 8
Number of Figures: 0
Number of Tables: 0
ISSN: 0028-3835 (Print)
eISSN: 1423-0194 (Online)
For additional information: https://www.karger.com/NEN
Copyright / Drug Dosage / Disclaimer
Copyright: All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be translated into other languages, reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, microcopying, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.Drug Dosage: The authors and the publisher have exerted every effort to ensure that drug selection and dosage set forth in this text are in accord with current recommendations and practice at the time of publication. However, in view of ongoing research, changes in government regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to drug therapy and drug reactions, the reader is urged to check the package insert for each drug for any changes in indications and dosage and for added warnings and precautions. This is particularly important when the recommended agent is a new and/or infrequently employed drug.
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