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Secondary partial empty sella syndrome in an elite bodybuilder
1National Institutes of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Surgical Neurology Branch, Bethesda, MD, USA. drrdd@yahoo.com
Neurological Research
|June 29, 2001
Summary
This study reports a rare case of secondary partial empty sella syndrome in an elite bodybuilder due to long-term exogenous hormone abuse, specifically growth hormone, testosterone, and thyroid hormone.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Neuroendocrinology
- Pathophysiology
Background:
- The pituitary gland's size varies with hormonal status and the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis.
- Partial empty sella syndrome (PES) is associated with primary neuroendocrinopathies and elevated intracranial pressure.
- Exogenous hormone use causing secondary PES with pituitary atrophy has not been previously documented.
Observation:
- A case study of an elite bodybuilder with a history of exogenous growth hormone, testosterone, and thyroid hormone abuse.
- The patient presented with clinical signs consistent with partial empty sella syndrome.
Findings:
- Long-term exogenous hormone abuse can lead to secondary partial empty sella syndrome with significant pituitary gland atrophy.
- Negative feedback inhibition from exogenous hormones is a potential mechanism for pituitary atrophy in PES.
- Elevated intracranial pressure may also contribute to the development of secondary PES.
Implications:
- This case highlights a novel cause of secondary partial empty sella syndrome.
- Understanding the pathophysiological mechanisms is crucial for diagnosis and management of hormone-induced pituitary atrophy.
- Further research is needed to explore the role of exogenous hormones and intracranial pressure in secondary PES.
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