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Symptomatic hypopituitarism revealing a primary empty sella turcica
Postgraduate Medical Journal
|April 1, 1981
Summary
Primary empty sella turcica syndrome can cause pituitary insufficiency. This case highlights the importance of considering empty sella turcica in patients with panhypopituitarism.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Neuroimaging
- Neurosurgery
Background:
- Pituitary insufficiency, characterized by deficiencies in anterior pituitary hormones, can stem from various causes.
- Empty sella turcica syndrome is a condition where the pituitary gland is compressed within the sella turcica due to cerebrospinal fluid herniation.
Observation:
- A 64-year-old woman presented with symptoms of thyroid and adrenocortical insufficiency.
- Hormonal tests confirmed panhypopituitarism, indicating a failure of all anterior pituitary functions.
Findings:
- Pneumotomo-encephalography revealed a large arachnoid herniation.
- This finding led to the diagnosis of primary empty sella turcica syndrome with secondary panhypopituitarism.
Implications:
- This case underscores the necessity of investigating for empty sella turcica syndrome in patients presenting with pituitary insufficiency.
- Early diagnosis through neuroimaging is crucial for appropriate management of secondary panhypopituitarism.