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Primary empty sella syndrome and bipolar affective illness: case report
Journal of the American Geriatrics Society
|May 1, 1978
Summary
This case study highlights an elderly woman with empty sella syndrome and bipolar disorder. Long-term lithium treatment effectively managed her bipolar illness without adverse effects.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Psychiatry
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Primary empty sella syndrome is a rare condition where the pituitary gland is not fully developed within the sella turcica.
- Bipolar affective illness is a serious mental health condition characterized by extreme mood swings.
Observation:
- The patient, an elderly woman, presented with both primary empty sella syndrome and bipolar affective illness.
- She exhibited no endocrine, visual, or neurological deficits.
- Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) was administered without documented long-term adverse effects.
Findings:
- The patient achieved sustained remission of bipolar affective illness.
- This remission has been maintained for five years.
- Lithium carbonate therapy was the primary treatment for her affective illness.
Implications:
- This case suggests that primary empty sella syndrome may not be associated with significant clinical dysfunction.
- Long-term lithium therapy can be a safe and effective treatment for bipolar disorder in elderly patients, even with co-existing conditions.
- Further research into the management of psychiatric conditions in patients with empty sella syndrome is warranted.