Refractory Hypoglycemia and Seizures as the Initial Presenting Manifestation of Empty Sella Syndrome

An empty sella is reported to occur in 5.5%-23.5% of the population and is usually asymptomatic. It can be associated with endocrine disturbances. We report a 48-year-old woman who presented with refractory hypoglycemia, seizures, and shock that improved with levothyroxine, hydrocortisone, and octreotide. Investigations revealed central hypothyroidism, hypoprolactinemia, low gonadotropins, normal C-peptide and a primary empty sella. Case reports of Sheehan syndrome with or without empty sella causing hypoglycemia have been reported occasionally. Our patient had never become pregnant. She had experienced premature menopause and symptoms suggestive of hypothyroidism for many years (without treatment) before her emergency department admission for altered sensorium.