Definition:
Empty sella syndrome refers to the medical disorder that primarily involves sella turcica, which is actually a bony structure that is located at the base of the brain that typically protects and surrounds the pituitary gland. Its is a condition that is often revealed during tests for pituitary disorders, when radiological imaging of the pituitary gland reveals a sella turcica that appears to be empty. Empty sella syndrome is found to be more common in women who have overweight issues or those who also have abnormally high blood pressure.
Diagnosis:
Diagnosis of empty sella syndrome includes x-ray of the skull of the patient. Another way is through computed tomography. It is a non-invasive process that takes cross-sectional images of the brain or other internal organs; to spot any abnormalities that may not show up on an ordinary x-ray. Last procedure is through MRI.
Treatment:
There is no specific treatment for primary empty sella syndrome if pituitary function is normal. Bromocriptine which lower the prolactin level may be prescribed if the prolactin levels are high and interfering with the function of the ovaries and testes. For secondary empty sella syndrome, it involves replacing the hormones that are lacking.
Symptoms and Signs:
Each patient will experience symptoms differently. In addition to high fluid pressure in the skull, which occurs in about 10 percent of patients, another symptom is a chronically runny nose. The patients will also have unusual facial features, headaches and vision problems.
Causes:
Primary empty sella syndrome happens when a small defect above the pituitary gland increases pressure in area. The secondary empty sella syndrome typically occurs when the sella is found empty due to the shrinking of the pituitary gland following an surgery, injury or a radiation therapy.
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