Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 15, 2026
07:43
Endoscopic Endonasal Trans-sphenoidal Approach: Minimally Invasive Surgery for Pituitary Adenomas
Published on: January 17, 2018
Empty sella syndrome.
1Pediatric Endocrine Associates, Tampa, FL 33607, USA. anne.lenz.md@gmail.com
Pediatric Endocrinology Reviews : PER
|January 12, 2013
Summary
Empty sella (ES) occurs when cerebrospinal fluid fills the sella turcica. In children, ES is linked to hormonal deficiencies and requires evaluation, unlike in adults where it
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Neuroimaging
- Pediatric Endocrinology
Background:
- Empty sella (ES) is characterized by cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) filling the sella turcica, compressing pituitary tissue.
- Primary ES involves CSF entry via a diaphragmatic defect, potentially with elevated intracranial pressure.
- Secondary ES results from pituitary injury, surgery, or radiation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and management of empty sella.
- To highlight the differences in ES presentation and implications between adult and pediatric populations.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on empty sella.
- Analysis of clinical characteristics and diagnostic findings associated with ES.
- Summary of treatment modalities for hormone deficiencies and obstructive lesions.
Main Results:
- Adult ES is common in older, obese, hypertensive women, often asymptomatic.
- Pediatric ES is more frequently symptomatic, associated with endocrinopathies like growth hormone deficiency and hypogonadotropism.
- ES incidence in children varies widely (1.2% to 68%) based on endocrine status.
Conclusions:
- Children with ES require comprehensive endocrinologic and ophthalmologic assessment.
- Management focuses on hormone replacement therapy and addressing any intracranial obstructive lesions.
- ES in children carries a higher risk of significant clinical impact compared to adults.
Related Concept Videos
01:11Pyloric Obstruction
Pyloric obstruction, also referred to as gastric outlet obstruction, is a condition characterized by narrowing or blockage at the pylorus—the muscular valve regulating the flow of stomach contents into the duodenum. When this passage becomes impaired, the stomach cannot effectively empty its contents into the small intestine. This disruption leads to a range of gastrointestinal symptoms, including early satiety, bloating, epigastric pain, postprandial nausea, persistent vomiting, and...
01:27Cranial Bones: Lateral View
The lateral view of the cranium is dominated by temporal, sphenoid, and ethmoid bones.
The temporal bone forms the lower lateral side of the skull. The temporal bone is subdivided into several regions. The flattened upper portion is the squamous portion of the temporal bone. Below this area and projecting anteriorly is the zygomatic process of the temporal bone, which forms the posterior portion of the zygomatic arch. Posteriorly is the mastoid portion of the temporal bone. Projecting...
The temporal bone forms the lower lateral side of the skull. The temporal bone is subdivided into several regions. The flattened upper portion is the squamous portion of the temporal bone. Below this area and projecting anteriorly is the zygomatic process of the temporal bone, which forms the posterior portion of the zygomatic arch. Posteriorly is the mastoid portion of the temporal bone. Projecting...
01:26Cushing Syndrome I: Introduction
Cushing syndrome refers to the collection of clinical manifestations that arise when tissues are exposed to excessive amounts of cortisol or cortisol-like medications over an extended period. Cortisol, a glucocorticoid produced by the adrenal cortex, regulates metabolism, immune responses, and the body’s adaptation to stress. When its concentration remains chronically elevated, these physiological pathways become dysregulated, resulting in the characteristic features of the syndrome.Exogenous...
01:19Cushing Syndrome II: Pathophysiology
Cortisol production is normally governed by the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis, which maintains hormonal balance through tightly regulated feedback mechanisms. Disruption of this regulatory system is central to the development of Cushing syndrome, whether the excess cortisol originates from external medications or internal pathology. Persistent cortisol elevation alters metabolism, immune function, and endocrine signaling, producing the characteristic clinical features of the...
01:27Esophageal Achalasia
Esophageal achalasia is a chronic neurogenic disorder characterized by impaired relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and absent or ineffective peristalsis in the distal esophagus. This leads to a functional obstruction without a physical blockage, despite significant disruption of esophageal motility.EtiologyAchalasia is caused by degeneration of the myenteric (Auerbach's) plexus, specifically the loss of inhibitory ganglion cells that produce vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP)...