Empty sella syndrome: Difference between revisions
From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia
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[[File:Empty_sella_MRI.png| | {{SI}} | ||
{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Empty sella syndrome | |||
| image = [[File:Empty_sella_MRI.png|left|thumb|MRI showing empty sella]] | |||
| caption = MRI of a patient with empty sella syndrome | |||
| field = [[Endocrinology]] | |||
| synonyms = | |||
| symptoms = [[Headache]], [[vision problems]], [[hormonal imbalances]] | |||
| complications = [[Hypopituitarism]], [[cerebrospinal fluid leak]] | |||
| onset = | |||
| duration = | |||
| types = Primary, Secondary | |||
| causes = [[Congenital]], [[trauma]], [[surgery]], [[radiation therapy]] | |||
| risks = [[Obesity]], [[hypertension]] | |||
| diagnosis = [[Magnetic resonance imaging|MRI]], [[computed tomography|CT scan]] | |||
| differential = [[Pituitary adenoma]], [[arachnoid cyst]] | |||
| prevention = | |||
| treatment = [[Hormone replacement therapy]], [[surgery]] | |||
| medication = | |||
| prognosis = Generally good with treatment | |||
| frequency = | |||
| deaths = | |||
}} | |||
'''Empty sella syndrome''' (ESS) is a medical condition characterized by the presence of a [[sella turcica]] that appears to be empty. The sella turcica is a saddle-shaped depression in the [[sphenoid bone]] at the base of the [[human skull|skull]], which houses the [[pituitary gland]]. In ESS, the pituitary gland is either shrunken or flattened, making the sella turcica appear empty on imaging studies. | |||
==Classification== | ==Classification== | ||
Empty sella syndrome is classified into two types: | Empty sella syndrome is classified into two types: | ||
* '''Primary empty sella syndrome''': This occurs when a defect in the diaphragma sellae, a small membrane that covers the sella turcica, allows [[cerebrospinal fluid]] (CSF) to enter the sella and compress the pituitary gland. | * '''Primary empty sella syndrome''': This occurs when a defect in the diaphragma sellae, a small membrane that covers the sella turcica, allows [[cerebrospinal fluid]] (CSF) to enter the sella and compress the pituitary gland. | ||
* '''Secondary empty sella syndrome''': This form occurs when the pituitary gland is damaged due to surgery, [[radiation therapy]], [[pituitary apoplexy]], or other conditions that affect the gland. | * '''Secondary empty sella syndrome''': This form occurs when the pituitary gland is damaged due to surgery, [[radiation therapy]], [[pituitary apoplexy]], or other conditions that affect the gland. | ||
==Symptoms== | ==Symptoms== | ||
Many individuals with empty sella syndrome are asymptomatic and the condition is often discovered incidentally during imaging studies for other reasons. When symptoms do occur, they may include: | Many individuals with empty sella syndrome are asymptomatic and the condition is often discovered incidentally during imaging studies for other reasons. When symptoms do occur, they may include: | ||
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* [[Hypopituitarism]] (deficiency of one or more pituitary hormones) | * [[Hypopituitarism]] (deficiency of one or more pituitary hormones) | ||
* [[Hyperprolactinemia]] (elevated levels of [[prolactin]]) | * [[Hyperprolactinemia]] (elevated levels of [[prolactin]]) | ||
==Diagnosis== | ==Diagnosis== | ||
The diagnosis of empty sella syndrome is typically made through imaging studies such as: | The diagnosis of empty sella syndrome is typically made through imaging studies such as: | ||
* [[Magnetic resonance imaging]] (MRI) | * [[Magnetic resonance imaging]] (MRI) | ||
* [[Computed tomography]] (CT) scan | * [[Computed tomography]] (CT) scan | ||
==Treatment== | ==Treatment== | ||
Treatment for empty sella syndrome depends on the presence and severity of symptoms. Asymptomatic individuals usually do not require treatment. Symptomatic treatment may include: | Treatment for empty sella syndrome depends on the presence and severity of symptoms. Asymptomatic individuals usually do not require treatment. Symptomatic treatment may include: | ||
* Hormone replacement therapy for hypopituitarism | * Hormone replacement therapy for hypopituitarism | ||
* Management of headaches and visual disturbances | * Management of headaches and visual disturbances | ||
==Prognosis== | ==Prognosis== | ||
The prognosis for individuals with empty sella syndrome is generally good, especially for those who are asymptomatic. Regular monitoring and follow-up are recommended for those with hormone deficiencies or other complications. | The prognosis for individuals with empty sella syndrome is generally good, especially for those who are asymptomatic. Regular monitoring and follow-up are recommended for those with hormone deficiencies or other complications. | ||
==See also== | |||
== | |||
* [[Pituitary gland]] | * [[Pituitary gland]] | ||
* [[Hypopituitarism]] | * [[Hypopituitarism]] | ||
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* [[Computed tomography]] | * [[Computed tomography]] | ||
[[Category:Endocrine diseases]] | [[Category:Endocrine diseases]] | ||
[[Category:Neurology]] | [[Category:Neurology]] | ||
[[Category:Radiology]] | [[Category:Radiology]] | ||
{{Endocrine system diseases}} | {{Endocrine system diseases}} | ||
{{medicine-stub}} | {{medicine-stub}} | ||
Latest revision as of 15:10, 6 April 2025
Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD's medical weight loss NYC, sleep center NYC
Philadelphia medical weight loss and Philadelphia sleep clinics
| Empty sella syndrome | |
|---|---|
| Synonyms | |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Headache, vision problems, hormonal imbalances |
| Complications | Hypopituitarism, cerebrospinal fluid leak |
| Onset | |
| Duration | |
| Types | Primary, Secondary |
| Causes | Congenital, trauma, surgery, radiation therapy |
| Risks | Obesity, hypertension |
| Diagnosis | MRI, CT scan |
| Differential diagnosis | Pituitary adenoma, arachnoid cyst |
| Prevention | |
| Treatment | Hormone replacement therapy, surgery |
| Medication | |
| Prognosis | Generally good with treatment |
| Frequency | |
| Deaths | |
Empty sella syndrome (ESS) is a medical condition characterized by the presence of a sella turcica that appears to be empty. The sella turcica is a saddle-shaped depression in the sphenoid bone at the base of the skull, which houses the pituitary gland. In ESS, the pituitary gland is either shrunken or flattened, making the sella turcica appear empty on imaging studies.
Classification[edit]
Empty sella syndrome is classified into two types:
- Primary empty sella syndrome: This occurs when a defect in the diaphragma sellae, a small membrane that covers the sella turcica, allows cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) to enter the sella and compress the pituitary gland.
- Secondary empty sella syndrome: This form occurs when the pituitary gland is damaged due to surgery, radiation therapy, pituitary apoplexy, or other conditions that affect the gland.
Symptoms[edit]
Many individuals with empty sella syndrome are asymptomatic and the condition is often discovered incidentally during imaging studies for other reasons. When symptoms do occur, they may include:
- Headache
- Visual disturbances
- Hypopituitarism (deficiency of one or more pituitary hormones)
- Hyperprolactinemia (elevated levels of prolactin)
Diagnosis[edit]
The diagnosis of empty sella syndrome is typically made through imaging studies such as:
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Computed tomography (CT) scan
Treatment[edit]
Treatment for empty sella syndrome depends on the presence and severity of symptoms. Asymptomatic individuals usually do not require treatment. Symptomatic treatment may include:
- Hormone replacement therapy for hypopituitarism
- Management of headaches and visual disturbances
Prognosis[edit]
The prognosis for individuals with empty sella syndrome is generally good, especially for those who are asymptomatic. Regular monitoring and follow-up are recommended for those with hormone deficiencies or other complications.
See also[edit]
- Pituitary gland
- Hypopituitarism
- Hyperprolactinemia
- Sella turcica
- Cerebrospinal fluid
- Magnetic resonance imaging
- Computed tomography
Template:Endocrine system diseases
