Empty sella syndrome

Empty sella syndrome is a condition in which cerebrospinal fluid occupies the pituitary fossa and flattens the pituitary gland. It may cause hormonal abnormalities, headaches, or visual symptoms, but is often found incidentally.

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Sella turcica: A saddle-shaped depression in the sphenoid bone that contains the pituitary gland. This is the bony space that becomes filled with cerebrospinal fluid.
Magnetic resonance imaging: An imaging technique that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed images of internal structures. MRI can show cerebrospinal fluid within the sella and the flattened pituitary gland.
Primary empty sella: Empty sella associated with an incompetent diaphragma sellae, often without prior pituitary surgery or radiation. This form arises without a known intervention or destructive pituitary event.
Hyperprolactinemia: An abnormally high concentration of prolactin in the blood. Pituitary stalk effects or associated disorders can raise prolactin in some cases.
Pituitary gland: An endocrine gland at the base of the brain that regulates several other glands and bodily functions. Its flattening within the sella can affect hormone production.
Computed tomography: An imaging method that combines X-ray measurements to create cross-sectional images of the body. CT can reveal sellar anatomy and sometimes identify an empty sella.
Secondary empty sella: Empty sella following pituitary surgery, radiation, tumor shrinkage, infarction, or another identifiable pituitary event. A prior pituitary event distinguishes this form from the primary condition.
Growth hormone deficiency: Insufficient secretion or action of growth hormone, affecting growth and metabolism. It is among the hormone deficits that may be assessed when pituitary function is impaired.
Diaphragma sellae: A fold of dura mater that forms a roof over the pituitary fossa, usually with an opening for the pituitary stalk. A defect or opening in this roof can permit cerebrospinal fluid to enter the fossa.
Pituitary function tests: Blood and stimulation tests used to assess hormone secretion by the pituitary gland and related organs. These tests determine whether the anatomical finding has caused hormonal dysfunction.