Galactorrhea and amenorrhea in a patient with an empty sella

A report of a patient with amenorrhea and galactorrhea who was shown, by tomopneumoencephalogram, to have an empty sella is presented. Endocrinologic testing revealed only a blunted human growth hormone response to insulin-induced hypoglycemia and acyclicity of plasma gonadotropins. Thyroid testing, ACTH, and metopirone responses were normal. In addition, plasma prolactin levels were found to be within the normal range. Most significantly, after the pneumoencephalogram the patient's menses returned and have continued at regular monthly intervals for 6 months. During this time there has been a significant decrease in the galactorrhea. This is the first patient described with an empty sella and galactorrhea. The clinical and endocribologic aspects of the empty sella are discussed.