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Empty sella syndrome
Empty sella syndrome is a condition in which the pituitary gland shrinks or becomes flattened.
Causes
The pituitary gland is a small gland located at the base of the brain. It sits in a saddle-like compartment in the skull called the sella turcica. In Latin, it means Turkish saddle.
When the pituitary gland shrinks or becomes flattened, it cannot be seen on an MRI scan. This makes the pituitary gland look like an "empty sella." But the sella is not actually empty. It is often filled with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). CSF is fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. With empty sella syndrome, CSF has leaked into the sella turcica, putting pressure on the pituitary gland. This causes the gland to shrink or flatten.
MRI
A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan is an imaging test that uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create pictures of the body. It does not us...
Primary empty sella syndrome occurs when one of the layers (arachnoid) covering the outside of the brain bulges down into the sella and presses on the pituitary.
Secondary empty sella syndrome occurs when the sella is empty because the pituitary gland has been damaged by:
- A tumor
- Radiation therapy
- Surgery
Empty sella syndrome may be seen in a condition called pseudotumor cerebri , which mainly affects young, obese women.
Pseudotumor cerebri
Pseudotumor cerebri is a condition in which the pressure inside the skull is increased. The brain is affected in a way that the condition appears to...
The pituitary gland makes several hormones that control other glands in the body, including the:
- Adrenal glands
- Ovaries
- Testicles
- Thyroid
A problem with the pituitary gland can lead to problems with any of the above glands and abnormal hormone levels of these glands.
Symptoms
Often, there are no symptoms or loss of pituitary function.
If there are symptoms, they may include any of the following:
-
Erectile dysfunction (
impotence
)
Impotence
An erection problem occurs when a man cannot get or keep an erection that is firm enough for intercourse. You may not be able to get an erection at ...
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- Irregular or absent menstruation
- Low sexual desire (low libido)
- Fatigue, low energy
-
Nipple discharge
Nipple discharge
Nipple discharge is any fluid that comes out of the nipple area in your breast.
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Exams and Tests
Primary empty sella syndrome is most often discovered during an MRI or CT scan of the head and brain. Pituitary function is usually normal.
The health care provider may test the pituitary to make sure that the gland is working normally.
Sometimes tests for high pressure in the brain will be done, such as:
-
Examination of the retina
by an ophthalmologist
Examination of the retina
Ophthalmoscopy is an examination of the back part of the eye (fundus), which includes the retina, optic disc, choroid, and blood vessels.
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Lumbar puncture (
spinal tap
)
Spinal tap
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) collection is a test to look at the fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. CSF acts as a cushion, protecting the b...
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Treatment
For primary empty sella syndrome:
- There is no treatment if pituitary function is normal.
- Medicines may be prescribed to treat any abnormal hormone levels.
For secondary empty sella syndrome, treatment involves replacing the hormones that are missing.
In some cases, surgery is needed to repair the sella turcica.
Outlook (Prognosis)
Primary empty sella syndrome does not cause health problems, and it does not affect life expectancy.
Possible Complications
Complications of primary empty sella syndrome include a slightly higher than normal level of prolactin. This is a hormone made by the pituitary gland. Prolactin stimulates breast development and milk production in women.
Complications of secondary empty sella syndrome are related to the cause of pituitary gland disease or to the effects of too little pituitary hormone.
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Contact your provider if you develop symptoms of abnormal pituitary function, such as menstrual cycle problems or impotence.
References
Kaiser U, Ho KKY. Pituitary physiology and diagnostic evaluation. In: Melmed S, Polonsky KS, Larsen PR, Kronenberg HM, eds. Williams Textbook of Endocrinology . 13th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 8.
Molitch M. Anterior pituitary. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman's Cecil Medicine . 25th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 224.
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The pituitary gland - illustration
The pituitary is a gland attached to the base of the brain which secretes hormones that govern the onset of puberty, sexual development and reproductive function.
The pituitary gland
illustration
Review Date: 10/28/2015
Reviewed By: Brent Wisse, MD, Associate Professor of Medicine, Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology & Nutrition, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
