Related Experiment Videos
Association of empty sella and neuroendocrine disorders in childhood
S Akçurin1, G Ocal, M Berberoğlu
1Pediatric Endocrinology and Metabolism Department, Ankara Faculty of Medicine, Turkey.
Insights
Primary empty sella syndrome (PESS) is often underestimated in children with neuroendocrine dysfunction. This study found a 17.9% incidence of PESS in pediatric patients with these conditions.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Neuroradiology
- Neuroendocrinology
Background:
- Empty sella syndrome (ESS) is a complex condition with various causes.
- The prevalence of primary empty sella syndrome (PESS) in pediatric patients with neuroendocrine dysfunction has been underestimated.
- PESS can be associated with various neuroendocrine disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of PESS in children diagnosed with neuroendocrine dysfunction.
- To investigate the association between PESS and specific pediatric neuroendocrine disorders.
- To highlight the importance of evaluating for PESS in children with neuroendocrine dysfunction and vice versa.
Main Methods:
- Computed tomography (CT) and/or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the sellar region were used for etiological evaluation.
- A cohort of 117 pediatric patients with diagnosed neuroendocrine disorders was studied.
- These disorders included growth hormone deficiency, hypothyroidism, obesity, precocious puberty, hypogonadism, and diabetes insipidus.
Main Results:
- Twenty-one out of 117 patients (17.9%) were diagnosed with PESS.
- A significant incidence of PESS was observed in children with neuroendocrine dysfunction.
- The study identified a notable association between PESS and pediatric neuroendocrine disorders.
Conclusions:
- Children with neuroendocrine dysfunction should be evaluated for PESS.
- Patients incidentally diagnosed with PESS require thorough investigation for subclinical neuroendocrine dysfunction.
- Early detection and management of PESS in pediatric neuroendocrine disorders are crucial.
Abstract:
Empty sella syndrome (ESS) is a multicausal entity. The incidence of primary empty sella syndrome (PESS) in children with neuroendocrine dysfunction is not known. In the pediatric age group, frequency seems to have been underestimated. A total of 117 cases of neuroendocrine disorders, including complete growth hormone deficiency, primary hypothyroidism with pituitary resistance to thyroid hormone, obesity, central precocious puberty, hypothalamic hypogonadism and central diabetes insipidus, have been studied with computed tomography and/or magnetic resonance imaging of sellar region for etiologic evaluation. Twenty-one patients were found to have PESS. We noted a high incidence of PESS in children with neuroendocrine dysfunction (17.9%). Children with neuroendocrine dysfunction should be investigated with respect to PESS, and children with PESS recognized coincidentally should be studied with the particular consideration of subclinical neuroendocrine dysfunction.