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{{SI}}
{{SI}}


'''For patient information click [[{{PAGENAME}} (patient information)|here]]'''
'''For patient information click [[{{PAGENAME}} (patient information)|here]]''
 
{{CMG}}






__NOTOC__
{{SI}}                                                                 
{{CMG}}
==Overview==
==Overview==
'''Empty sella syndrome''' (abbreviated '''ESS''') is a disorder that involves the [[sella turcica]], a bony structure at the base of the brain that surrounds and protects the [[pituitary gland]]. ESS is a condition that is often discovered during tests for pituitary disorders, when radiological imaging of the pituitary gland reveals a sella turica that appears to be empty.  
'''Empty sella syndrome (ESS)''' is defined as herniation of [[subarachnoid space]] into the [[sella turcica]] (arachnoidocele) in which there is a characteristic radiological finding of "empty sellar space" on [[magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)]] and computerized tomography (CT) with a flattened pituitary and elongated stalk.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15972577|title=Primary empty sella.|last=|first=|date=|website=|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|access-date=}}</ref> It can be partial if less than 50% of sellar space is filled with [[Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)|cerebro-spinal fluid (CSF)]], or complete if CSF fills more than 50% of space in the sella and gland thickness is less than 2mm.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28780516|title=DIAGNOSIS OF ENDOCRINE DISEASE: Primary empty sella: a comprehensive review.|last=|first=|date=|website=|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|access-date=}}</ref>


==Historical Perspective==
*The term ‘empty sella’ was first used by Bush in 1951<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14942993|title=[Morphology of sella turcica and its relation to the pituitary gland]|last=|first=|date=|website=|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|access-date=}}</ref> to describe a peculiar anatomical condition, observed in 40 of 788 human cadavers, particularly females, characterized by a sella turcica with an incomplete diaphragm sellae that forms only a small peripheral rim, with a pituitary gland not absent, but flattened in such a manner as to form a thin layer of tissue at the bottom of the sella turcica.
*In [year], [gene] mutations were first identified in the pathogenesis of [disease name].
*In [year], the first [discovery] was developed by [scientist] to treat/diagnose [disease name].
==Classification==
==Classification==
*[Disease name] may be classified according to [classification method] into [number] subtypes/groups:
:*[group1]
:*[group2]
:*[group3]
*Other variants of [disease name] include [disease subtype 1], [disease subtype 2], and [disease subtype 3].
There are two types of ESS: ''primary'' and ''secondary''.  
There are two types of ESS: ''primary'' and ''secondary''.  
* Primary ESS happens when a small anatomical defect above the pituitary gland increases pressure in the sella turica and causes the gland to flatten out along the interior walls of the sella turica cavity. Primary ESS is associated with [[obesity]] and [[high blood pressure]] in women. The disorder sometimes results in a build-up of fluid pressure inside the [[skull]] and the pituitary gland may be smaller than usual.  
* Primary ESS happens when a small anatomical defect above the pituitary gland increases pressure in the sella turica and causes the gland to flatten out along the interior walls of the sella turica cavity. Primary ESS is associated with [[obesity]] and [[high blood pressure]] in women. The disorder sometimes results in a build-up of fluid pressure inside the [[skull]] and the pituitary gland may be smaller than usual.  
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* Secondary ESS is the result of the pituitary gland regressing within the cavity after an [[injury]], [[surgery]], or [[radiation therapy]]. Individuals with secondary ESS due to destruction of the pituitary gland have symptoms that reflect the loss of pituitary functions, such as the ceasing of [[menstrual period]]s, [[infertility]], [[fatigue (physical)|fatigue]], and intolerance to stress and infection.  
* Secondary ESS is the result of the pituitary gland regressing within the cavity after an [[injury]], [[surgery]], or [[radiation therapy]]. Individuals with secondary ESS due to destruction of the pituitary gland have symptoms that reflect the loss of pituitary functions, such as the ceasing of [[menstrual period]]s, [[infertility]], [[fatigue (physical)|fatigue]], and intolerance to stress and infection.  


==Associated conditions and diagnosis==
==Pathophysiology==
*The pathogenesis of [disease name] is characterized by [feature1], [feature2], and [feature3].
*The [gene name] gene/Mutation in [gene name] has been associated with the development of [disease name], involving the [molecular pathway] pathway.
*On gross pathology, [feature1], [feature2], and [feature3] are characteristic findings of [disease name].
*On microscopic histopathological analysis, [feature1], [feature2], and [feature3] are characteristic findings of [disease name].
 
In children, ESS may be associated with early onset of puberty, growth hormone deficiency, pituitary tumors, or pituitary gland dysfunction. MRI scans are useful in evaluating ESS and differentiating it from other disorders that produce an enlarged sella.  
In children, ESS may be associated with early onset of puberty, growth hormone deficiency, pituitary tumors, or pituitary gland dysfunction. MRI scans are useful in evaluating ESS and differentiating it from other disorders that produce an enlarged sella.  


== Differential Diagnosis ==
==Clinical Features== 
 
==Differentiating [disease name] from other Diseases==
*[Disease name] must be differentiated from other diseases that cause [clinical feature 1], [clinical feature 2], and [clinical feature 3], such as:
:*[Differential dx1]
:*[Differential dx2]
:*[Differential dx3]
 
* Autoimmune factors
* Autoimmune factors
* [[Cavernous sinus thrombosis]]
* [[Cavernous sinus thrombosis]]
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== Differentiating Empty sella syndrome from other diseases: ==
== Differentiating Empty sella syndrome from other diseases: ==
Empty sella syndrome needs to be differentiated from other diseases causing hypopituitarism:
Empty sella syndrome needs to be differentiated from other diseases causing [[hypopituitarism]].<ref name="pmid9541295">{{cite journal |vauthors=Sato N, Sze G, Endo K |title=Hypophysitis: endocrinologic and dynamic MR findings |journal=AJNR Am J Neuroradiol |volume=19 |issue=3 |pages=439–44 |year=1998 |pmid=9541295 |doi= |url=}}</ref><ref name="pmid7758238">{{cite journal |vauthors=Powrie JK, Powell M, Ayers AB, Lowy C, Sönksen PH |title=Lymphocytic adenohypophysitis: magnetic resonance imaging features of two new cases and a review of the literature |journal=Clin. Endocrinol. (Oxf) |volume=42 |issue=3 |pages=315–22 |year=1995 |pmid=7758238 |doi= |url=}}</ref><ref name="pmid26262437">{{cite journal |vauthors=Honegger J, Schlaffer S, Menzel C, Droste M, Werner S, Elbelt U, Strasburger C, Störmann S, Küppers A, Streetz-van der Werf C, Deutschbein T, Stieg M, Rotermund R, Milian M, Petersenn S |title=Diagnosis of Primary Hypophysitis in Germany |journal=J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab. |volume=100 |issue=10 |pages=3841–9 |year=2015 |pmid=26262437 |doi=10.1210/jc.2015-2152 |url=}}</ref><ref name="pmid7629223">{{cite journal |vauthors=Thodou E, Asa SL, Kontogeorgos G, Kovacs K, Horvath E, Ezzat S |title=Clinical case seminar: lymphocytic hypophysitis: clinicopathological findings |journal=J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab. |volume=80 |issue=8 |pages=2302–11 |year=1995 |pmid=7629223 |doi=10.1210/jcem.80.8.7629223 |url=}}</ref><ref name="pmid8345854">{{cite journal |vauthors=Imura H, Nakao K, Shimatsu A, Ogawa Y, Sando T, Fujisawa I, Yamabe H |title=Lymphocytic infundibuloneurohypophysitis as a cause of central diabetes insipidus |journal=N. Engl. J. Med. |volume=329 |issue=10 |pages=683–9 |year=1993 |pmid=8345854 |doi=10.1056/NEJM199309023291002 |url=}}</ref><ref name="pmid21668725">{{cite journal |vauthors=Hsieh CY, Liu BY, Yang YN, Yin WH, Young MS |title=Massive pericardial effusion with diastolic right ventricular compression secondary to hypothyroidism in a 73-year-old woman |journal=Emerg Med Australas |volume=23 |issue=3 |pages=372–5 |year=2011 |pmid=21668725 |doi=10.1111/j.1742-6723.2011.01425.x |url=}}</ref><ref name="pmid9747750">{{cite journal |vauthors=Dejager S, Gerber S, Foubert L, Turpin G |title=Sheehan's syndrome: differential diagnosis in the acute phase |journal=J. Intern. Med. |volume=244 |issue=3 |pages=261–6 |year=1998 |pmid=9747750 |doi= |url=}}</ref>
<small>
{| class="wikitable"
! rowspan="3" style="background: #4479BA; width: 200px;" | {{fontcolor|#FFF|Diseases}}
! rowspan="3" style="background: #4479BA; width: 200px;" | {{fontcolor|#FFF|Onset}}
! colspan="5" style="background: #4479BA; width: 200px;" | {{fontcolor|#FFF|Manifestations}}
! colspan="4" style="background: #4479BA; width: 200px;" | {{fontcolor|#FFF|Diagnosis}}
|-
! colspan="4" style="background: #4479BA; width: 200px;" | {{fontcolor|#FFF|History and Symptoms}}
! rowspan="2" style="background: #4479BA; width: 200px;" | {{fontcolor|#FFF|Physical examination}}
! rowspan="2" style="background: #4479BA; width: 200px;" | {{fontcolor|#FFF|Laboratory findings}}
! rowspan="2" style="background: #4479BA; width: 200px;" | {{fontcolor|#FFF|Gold standard}}
! rowspan="2" style="background: #4479BA; width: 200px;" | {{fontcolor|#FFF| Imaging}}
! rowspan="2" style="background: #4479BA; width: 200px;" | {{fontcolor|#FFF|Other investigation findings}}
|-
! style="background: #4479BA; width: 200px;" | {{fontcolor|#FFF| Trumatic delivery}}
! style="background: #4479BA; width: 200px;" | {{fontcolor|#FFF| Lactation failure}}
! style="background: #4479BA; width: 200px;" | {{fontcolor|#FFF| Menstrual irregularities}}
! style="background: #4479BA; width: 200px;" | {{fontcolor|#FFF| Other features}}
|-
![[Sheehan's syndrome]]
|Acute
|<nowiki>++</nowiki>
| ++
|[[Oligomenorrhea|Oligo]]/[[amenorrhea]]
|Symptoms of:
* [[Adrenal insufficiency]]
 
* [[Hypothyroidism]]
|
* [[Breast tissue]] [[atrophy]]
 
* Decreased [[axillary]] and [[pubic]] hair growth
|
* [[Pancytopenia]]
 
* [[Eosinophilia]]
 
* [[Hyponatremia]]
 
* Low [[fasting plasma glucose]]
 
* Decreased levels of [[anterior pituitary]] [[hormones]] in blood
 
|
* Clinical diagnosis 
 
* Most senitive test: Low baseline [[prolactin]] levels w/o response to [[Thyrotropin-releasing hormone|TRH]]
|CT/MRI:
* Sequential changes of pituitary enlargement followed by:
* Shrinkage and [[necrosis]] leading to decreased sellar volume or [[empty sella]]
|
* Pituitary hormone stimulation tests ([[Metoclopramide]] and [[clomiphene citrate]] stimulation tests)
|-
![[Lymphocytic hypophysitis]]
|Acute
|<nowiki>+/-</nowiki>
|<nowiki>+</nowiki>
|[[Oligomenorrhea|Oligo]]/[[amenorrhea]]
|
* Associated with [[autoimmune]] conditions
 
* Generalized [[headache]]
 
* Retro-orbital or Bitemporal [[pain]]
 
* Mass lesion effect such as [[Visual field defect|visual field defects]]
|
* [[Diabetes insipidus|DI]]
 
* [[Autoimmune]] [[thyroiditis]]
|
* Decreased pituitary hormones([[Gonadotropins]] most common)
 
* [[Hyperprolactinemia]](40%)
 
* [[Growth hormone|GH]] excess
|
* [[Pituitary gland|Pituitary]] [[biopsy]]: [[lymphocytic]] [[Infiltration (medical)|infiltration]]
|
* [[CT]] & [[MRI]]: Features of a [[Pituitary gland|pituitary]] [[mass]]
 
* Diffuse and homogeneous contrast enhancement
|[[Assay|Assays]] for:
* Anti-TPO 
* Anti-Tg Ab
|-
![[Pituitary apoplexy]]
|Acute
|<nowiki>+/-</nowiki>
|<nowiki>++</nowiki>
|[[Oligomenorrhea|Oligo]]/[[amenorrhea]]
|Severe [[headache]]
* [[Nausea and vomiting]]
* Paralysis of eye muscles ([[diplopia]])
* Changes in vision
|
* [[Visual acuity]] defects
 
* [[Cranial nerve palsies|CN palsies]] (nerves III, IV, V , and VI)


==Diagnosis==
|
* Decreased levels of [[anterior]] pituitary hormones in blood.
|
* [[Magnetic resonance imaging|MRI]]
|
* [[CT]] scan without [[Contrast medium|contrast]]: Hemorrhag<nowiki/>e on [[CT]] presents as a hyperdense lesion
 
* [[MRI]]: If inconclusive [[CT]]
|
[[Blood tests]] may be done to check:
* [[PT]]/[[INR]] and [[aPTT]]
 
* [[Pituitary gland|Pituitary]] [[hormonal]] assay
|-
![[Empty sella syndrome]]
|Chronic
|<nowiki>-</nowiki>
|<nowiki>+</nowiki>
|[[Oligomenorrhea|Oligo]]/[[amenorrhea]]
|
* [[Erectile dysfunction]]
 
* [[Headache]]
 
* Low [[libido]]
 
|
* Signs of raised [[intracranial pressure]] may be present
 
* [[Nipple discharge|Nipple]] discharge
|
* Decreased levels of  pituitary hormones in blood.
|
* [[MRI]]
|
* [[Empty sella]] containing [[Cerebrospinal fluid|CSF]]
|
* Pituitary hormone stimulation tests ([[Metoclopramide]] and [[clomiphene citrate]] stimulation tests)
|-
![[Simmond's Disease|Simmonds' disease]]/[[Pituitary]] [[cachexia]]
|Chronic
|<nowiki>+/-</nowiki>
| +
|[[Oligomenorrhea|Oligo]]/[[amenorrhea]]
|
* [[Cachexia]]
* [[Premature aging|Premature]] aging
|
* Progressive [[emaciation]]
 
* Loss of body hair
|
* Decreased levels of anterior pituitary hormones in blood.
|
* [[Magnetic resonance imaging|MRI]]
|
* Done to rule out any pituitary cause
|
* Pituitary hormone stimulation tests ([[Metoclopramide]] and [[clomiphene citrate]] stimulation tests)
|-
! [[Primary hypothyroidism|Hypothyroidism]]
|Chronic
|<nowiki>+/-</nowiki>
|<nowiki>-</nowiki>
|[[Oligomenorrhea]]/[[menorrhagia]]
|
* Cold intolerance
* [[Constipation]]
|
* Dry skin
 
* [[Bradycardia]]
 
* Hair loss
 
* [[Myxedema]]
 
* Delayed relaxation phase of deep [[Tendon reflex|tendon reflexes]]
|
* Low [[T3]],[[T4]]
 
* Normal/ low [[Thyroid-stimulating hormone|TSH]]
 
* Rest of pituitary hormone levels WNL
|
* [[TSH]] levels
|
* Done to rule out any pituitary cause
|
*Assays for anti-TPO and anti-Tg Ab
*FNA biopsy
|-
![[Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism]]
|Chronic
|<nowiki>-</nowiki>
|<nowiki>-</nowiki>
|[[Oligomenorrhea|Oligo]]/[[amenorrhea]]
|
* [[Hot flushes]]
 
* Energy and mood changes
 
* Decreased [[libido]]
|
* [[Breast tissue]] [[atrophy]]
* Decreased [[maturation]] of [[vaginal]] [[mucosa]]
|
* Low [[estrogen]], [[testosterone]]
 
* High [[FSH]]/[[Luteinizing hormone|LH]]
|
* [[FSH]]
* [[Luteinizing hormone|LH]]
|
* Done to rule out any pituitary cause
|
* Genetic tests  ([[karyotype]])
* Measurement of total and free [[testosterone]] and [[17-Hydroxyprogesterone|17-hydroxyprogesterone]] concentrations
|-
!Hypoprolactinemia
|Chronic
|<nowiki>-</nowiki>
|<nowiki>+</nowiki>
|<nowiki>-</nowiki>
|
* [[Infertility]]
* Subfertiliy
|
* Puerperal agalactogenesis
|
* No workup is necessary
|
* Decreased prolactin levels
|
* Done to rule out any pituitary cause
|
* [[Prolactin]] assay in [[3rd trimester]]
 
* [[Luteinizing hormone|LH]], [[Follicle-stimulating hormone|FSH]]
 
* [[Thyrotropin]] and free [[thyroxine]]
|-
![[Panhypopituitarism]]
|Chronic
|<nowiki>-</nowiki>
|<nowiki>+</nowiki>
|[[Oligomenorrhea|Oligo]]/[[amenorrhea]]
|
* [[Polyuria]]
 
* [[Polydipsia]]
* Features of [[hypothyroidism]] and [[hypoadrenalism]]
|
* [[Growth failure]]
 
* B/L [[hemianopsia]]
 
* [[Papilledema]]
|
* All pituitary hormones decreased
|
* [[Magnetic resonance imaging|MRI]]
|
* Done to rule out any pituitary cause
|
* Left hand and wrist [[radiograph]] for [[bone age]]
|-
![[Primary adrenal insufficiency]]/[[Addison's disease]]
|Chronic
|<nowiki>-</nowiki>
| -
|<nowiki>-</nowiki>
|
* [[Hypoglycemia]]
 
* [[Hypotension]]
|
* [[Dehydration]]
 
* [[Hyperpigmentation]]
 
* loss of [[pubic]] and [[axillary]] hair
 
|
* [[Hyponatremia]] with/without [[hyperkalemia]]
 
* [[Plasma renin activity]] to [[Aldosterone|aldosterone ratio]]
|
* Abdominal [[Computed tomography|CT]]
|
* Abdominal [[Computed tomography|CT]]
|
* Serum [[cortisol]] testing
 
* Serum [[ACTH]] testing
 
* Anti-adrenal [[Antibody|Ab]] testing
|-
![[Menopause]]
|Chronic
|<nowiki>-</nowiki>
|<nowiki>+/-</nowiki>
|[[Oligomenorrhea|Oligo]]/[[amenorrhea]]
|
* [[Hot flashes]]
* [[Insomnia]]
* [[Weight gain]] and [[bloating]]
* Mood changes
|
* [[Vaginal atrophy]]
* Loss of pelvic [[muscle tone]]
|
* ↑ [[FSH]]
* ↓ [[Estradiol]] and [[inhibin]]
|
* [[FSH]] > [[LH]]
|Normal
|
* [[Endometrial biopsy]]
|}
</small>
 
 
==Epidemiology and Demographics==
* The prevalence of [disease name] is approximately [number or range] per 100,000 individuals worldwide.
* In [year], the incidence of [disease name] was estimated to be [number or range] cases per 100,000 individuals in [location].
===Age===
*Patients of all age groups may develop [disease name].
*[Disease name] is more commonly observed among patients aged [age range] years old.
*[Disease name] is more commonly observed among [elderly patients/young patients/children].
===Gender===
*[Disease name] affects men and women equally.
*[Gender 1] are more commonly affected with [disease name] than [gender 2].
* The [gender 1] to [Gender 2] ratio is approximately [number > 1] to 1.
===Race===
*There is no racial predilection for [disease name].
*[Disease name] usually affects individuals of the [race 1] race.
*[Race 2] individuals are less likely to develop [disease name].
 
==Risk Factors==
*Common risk factors in the development of [disease name] are [risk factor 1], [risk factor 2], [risk factor 3], and [risk factor 4].
 
== Natural History, Complications and Prognosis==
*The majority of patients with [disease name] remain asymptomatic for [duration/years].
*Early clinical features include [manifestation 1], [manifestation 2], and [manifestation 3].
*If left untreated, [#%] of patients with [disease name] may progress to develop [manifestation 1], [manifestation 2], and [manifestation 3].
*Common complications of [disease name] include [complication 1], [complication 2], and [complication 3].
*Prognosis is generally [excellent/good/poor], and the [1/5/10­year mortality/survival rate] of patients with [disease name] is approximately [#%].
 
== Diagnosis ==
'''Patient #1: MR images demonstrate an expanded and empty sella'''
'''Patient #1: MR images demonstrate an expanded and empty sella'''
<gallery>
<gallery>
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</gallery>
</gallery>
===Diagnostic Criteria===
*The diagnosis of [disease name] is made when at least [number] of the following [number] diagnostic criteria are met:
:*[criterion 1]
:*[criterion 2]
:*[criterion 3]
:*[criterion 4]
=== Symptoms ===
*[Disease name] is usually asymptomatic.
*Symptoms of [disease name] may include the following:
:*[symptom 1]
:*[symptom 2]
:*[symptom 3]
:*[symptom 4]
:*[symptom 5]
:*[symptom 6]
=== Physical Examination ===
*Patients with [disease name] usually appear [general appearance].
*Physical examination may be remarkable for:
:*[finding 1]
:*[finding 2]
:*[finding 3]
:*[finding 4]
:*[finding 5]
:*[finding 6]
=== Laboratory Findings ===
*There are no specific laboratory findings associated with [disease name].
*A  [positive/negative] [test name] is diagnostic of [disease name].
*An [elevated/reduced] concentration of [serum/blood/urinary/CSF/other] [lab test] is diagnostic of [disease name].
*Other laboratory findings consistent with the diagnosis of [disease name] include [abnormal test 1], [abnormal test 2], and [abnormal test 3].
===Imaging Findings===
*There are no [imaging study] findings associated with [disease name].
*[Imaging study 1] is the imaging modality of choice for [disease name].
*On [imaging study 1], [disease name] is characterized by [finding 1], [finding 2], and [finding 3].
*[Imaging study 2] may demonstrate [finding 1], [finding 2], and [finding 3].
=== Other Diagnostic Studies ===
*[Disease name] may also be diagnosed using [diagnostic study name].
*Findings on [diagnostic study name] include [finding 1], [finding 2], and [finding 3].
== Treatment ==
== Treatment ==
Unless the syndrome results in other medical problems, treatment for endocrine dysfunction associated with pituitary malfunction is symptomatic and supportive. In some cases, surgery may be needed.
=== Medical Therapy ===
*There is no treatment for [disease name]; the mainstay of therapy is supportive care.
*The mainstay of therapy for [disease name] is [medical therapy 1] and [medical therapy 2].
*[Medical therapy 1] acts by [mechanism of action 1].
*Response to [medical therapy 1] can be monitored with [test/physical finding/imaging] every [frequency/duration].
=== Surgery ===
*Surgery is the mainstay of therapy for [disease name].
*[Surgical procedure] in conjunction with [chemotherapy/radiation] is the most common approach to the treatment of [disease name].
*[Surgical procedure] can only be performed for patients with [disease stage] [disease name].
=== Prevention ===
*There are no primary preventive measures available for [disease name].
*Effective measures for the primary prevention of [disease name] include [measure1], [measure2], and [measure3].
 
*Once diagnosed and successfully treated, patients with [disease name] are followed-up every [duration]. Follow-up testing includes [test 1], [test 2], and [test 3].  
==References==
{{Reflist|2}}
[[Category:Pick One of 28 Approved]]


== Prognosis ==
{{WS}}
ESS is not a life-threatening illness.
{{WH}}


== External links ==
== External links ==

Latest revision as of 05:29, 27 March 2019

Empty sella syndrome
ICD-9 253.8
DiseasesDB 31523
MeSH D004652

WikiDoc Resources for Empty sella syndrome

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Review articles on Empty sella syndrome

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Media

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Images of Empty sella syndrome

Photos of Empty sella syndrome

Podcasts & MP3s on Empty sella syndrome

Videos on Empty sella syndrome

Evidence Based Medicine

Cochrane Collaboration on Empty sella syndrome

Bandolier on Empty sella syndrome

TRIP on Empty sella syndrome

Clinical Trials

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Trial results on Empty sella syndrome

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Definitions

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Patient Resources / Community

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Discussion groups on Empty sella syndrome

Patient Handouts on Empty sella syndrome

Directions to Hospitals Treating Empty sella syndrome

Risk calculators and risk factors for Empty sella syndrome

Healthcare Provider Resources

Symptoms of Empty sella syndrome

Causes & Risk Factors for Empty sella syndrome

Diagnostic studies for Empty sella syndrome

Treatment of Empty sella syndrome

Continuing Medical Education (CME)

CME Programs on Empty sella syndrome

International

Empty sella syndrome en Espanol

Empty sella syndrome en Francais

Business

Empty sella syndrome in the Marketplace

Patents on Empty sella syndrome

Experimental / Informatics

List of terms related to Empty sella syndrome

'For patient information click here



WikiDoc Resources for Empty sella syndrome

Articles

Most recent articles on Empty sella syndrome

Most cited articles on Empty sella syndrome

Review articles on Empty sella syndrome

Articles on Empty sella syndrome in N Eng J Med, Lancet, BMJ

Media

Powerpoint slides on Empty sella syndrome

Images of Empty sella syndrome

Photos of Empty sella syndrome

Podcasts & MP3s on Empty sella syndrome

Videos on Empty sella syndrome

Evidence Based Medicine

Cochrane Collaboration on Empty sella syndrome

Bandolier on Empty sella syndrome

TRIP on Empty sella syndrome

Clinical Trials

Ongoing Trials on Empty sella syndrome at Clinical Trials.gov

Trial results on Empty sella syndrome

Clinical Trials on Empty sella syndrome at Google

Guidelines / Policies / Govt

US National Guidelines Clearinghouse on Empty sella syndrome

NICE Guidance on Empty sella syndrome

NHS PRODIGY Guidance

FDA on Empty sella syndrome

CDC on Empty sella syndrome

Books

Books on Empty sella syndrome

News

Empty sella syndrome in the news

Be alerted to news on Empty sella syndrome

News trends on Empty sella syndrome

Commentary

Blogs on Empty sella syndrome

Definitions

Definitions of Empty sella syndrome

Patient Resources / Community

Patient resources on Empty sella syndrome

Discussion groups on Empty sella syndrome

Patient Handouts on Empty sella syndrome

Directions to Hospitals Treating Empty sella syndrome

Risk calculators and risk factors for Empty sella syndrome

Healthcare Provider Resources

Symptoms of Empty sella syndrome

Causes & Risk Factors for Empty sella syndrome

Diagnostic studies for Empty sella syndrome

Treatment of Empty sella syndrome

Continuing Medical Education (CME)

CME Programs on Empty sella syndrome

International

Empty sella syndrome en Espanol

Empty sella syndrome en Francais

Business

Empty sella syndrome in the Marketplace

Patents on Empty sella syndrome

Experimental / Informatics

List of terms related to Empty sella syndrome

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Overview

Empty sella syndrome (ESS) is defined as herniation of subarachnoid space into the sella turcica (arachnoidocele) in which there is a characteristic radiological finding of "empty sellar space" on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computerized tomography (CT) with a flattened pituitary and elongated stalk.[1] It can be partial if less than 50% of sellar space is filled with cerebro-spinal fluid (CSF), or complete if CSF fills more than 50% of space in the sella and gland thickness is less than 2mm.[2]

Historical Perspective

  • The term ‘empty sella’ was first used by Bush in 1951[3] to describe a peculiar anatomical condition, observed in 40 of 788 human cadavers, particularly females, characterized by a sella turcica with an incomplete diaphragm sellae that forms only a small peripheral rim, with a pituitary gland not absent, but flattened in such a manner as to form a thin layer of tissue at the bottom of the sella turcica.
  • In [year], [gene] mutations were first identified in the pathogenesis of [disease name].
  • In [year], the first [discovery] was developed by [scientist] to treat/diagnose [disease name].

Classification

  • [Disease name] may be classified according to [classification method] into [number] subtypes/groups:
  • [group1]
  • [group2]
  • [group3]
  • Other variants of [disease name] include [disease subtype 1], [disease subtype 2], and [disease subtype 3].

There are two types of ESS: primary and secondary.

  • Primary ESS happens when a small anatomical defect above the pituitary gland increases pressure in the sella turica and causes the gland to flatten out along the interior walls of the sella turica cavity. Primary ESS is associated with obesity and high blood pressure in women. The disorder sometimes results in a build-up of fluid pressure inside the skull and the pituitary gland may be smaller than usual.
  • Secondary ESS is the result of the pituitary gland regressing within the cavity after an injury, surgery, or radiation therapy. Individuals with secondary ESS due to destruction of the pituitary gland have symptoms that reflect the loss of pituitary functions, such as the ceasing of menstrual periods, infertility, fatigue, and intolerance to stress and infection.

Pathophysiology

  • The pathogenesis of [disease name] is characterized by [feature1], [feature2], and [feature3].
  • The [gene name] gene/Mutation in [gene name] has been associated with the development of [disease name], involving the [molecular pathway] pathway.
  • On gross pathology, [feature1], [feature2], and [feature3] are characteristic findings of [disease name].
  • On microscopic histopathological analysis, [feature1], [feature2], and [feature3] are characteristic findings of [disease name].

In children, ESS may be associated with early onset of puberty, growth hormone deficiency, pituitary tumors, or pituitary gland dysfunction. MRI scans are useful in evaluating ESS and differentiating it from other disorders that produce an enlarged sella.

Clinical Features

Differentiating [disease name] from other Diseases

  • [Disease name] must be differentiated from other diseases that cause [clinical feature 1], [clinical feature 2], and [clinical feature 3], such as:
  • [Differential dx1]
  • [Differential dx2]
  • [Differential dx3]


Differentiating Empty sella syndrome from other diseases:

Empty sella syndrome needs to be differentiated from other diseases causing hypopituitarism.[4][5][6][7][8][9][10]

Diseases Onset Manifestations Diagnosis
History and Symptoms Physical examination Laboratory findings Gold standard Imaging Other investigation findings
Trumatic delivery Lactation failure Menstrual irregularities Other features
Sheehan's syndrome Acute ++ ++ Oligo/amenorrhea Symptoms of:
  • Clinical diagnosis
  • Most senitive test: Low baseline prolactin levels w/o response to TRH
CT/MRI:
  • Sequential changes of pituitary enlargement followed by:
  • Shrinkage and necrosis leading to decreased sellar volume or empty sella
Lymphocytic hypophysitis Acute +/- + Oligo/amenorrhea
  • Retro-orbital or Bitemporal pain
  • Diffuse and homogeneous contrast enhancement
Assays for:
  • Anti-TPO
  • Anti-Tg Ab
Pituitary apoplexy Acute +/- ++ Oligo/amenorrhea Severe headache
  • Decreased levels of anterior pituitary hormones in blood.
  • CT scan without contrast: Hemorrhage on CT presents as a hyperdense lesion

Blood tests may be done to check:

Empty sella syndrome Chronic - + Oligo/amenorrhea
  • Decreased levels of pituitary hormones in blood.
Simmonds' disease/Pituitary cachexia Chronic +/- + Oligo/amenorrhea
  • Loss of body hair
  • Decreased levels of anterior pituitary hormones in blood.
  • Done to rule out any pituitary cause
Hypothyroidism Chronic +/- - Oligomenorrhea/menorrhagia
  • Dry skin
  • Hair loss
  • Normal/ low TSH
  • Rest of pituitary hormone levels WNL
  • Done to rule out any pituitary cause
  • Assays for anti-TPO and anti-Tg Ab
  • FNA biopsy
Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism Chronic - - Oligo/amenorrhea
  • Energy and mood changes
  • Done to rule out any pituitary cause
Hypoprolactinemia Chronic - + -
  • Puerperal agalactogenesis
  • No workup is necessary
  • Decreased prolactin levels
  • Done to rule out any pituitary cause
Panhypopituitarism Chronic - + Oligo/amenorrhea
  • All pituitary hormones decreased
  • Done to rule out any pituitary cause
Primary adrenal insufficiency/Addison's disease Chronic - - -
  • Abdominal CT
  • Abdominal CT
  • Anti-adrenal Ab testing
Menopause Chronic - +/- Oligo/amenorrhea Normal


Epidemiology and Demographics

  • The prevalence of [disease name] is approximately [number or range] per 100,000 individuals worldwide.
  • In [year], the incidence of [disease name] was estimated to be [number or range] cases per 100,000 individuals in [location].

Age

  • Patients of all age groups may develop [disease name].
  • [Disease name] is more commonly observed among patients aged [age range] years old.
  • [Disease name] is more commonly observed among [elderly patients/young patients/children].

Gender

  • [Disease name] affects men and women equally.
  • [Gender 1] are more commonly affected with [disease name] than [gender 2].
  • The [gender 1] to [Gender 2] ratio is approximately [number > 1] to 1.

Race

  • There is no racial predilection for [disease name].
  • [Disease name] usually affects individuals of the [race 1] race.
  • [Race 2] individuals are less likely to develop [disease name].

Risk Factors

  • Common risk factors in the development of [disease name] are [risk factor 1], [risk factor 2], [risk factor 3], and [risk factor 4].

Natural History, Complications and Prognosis

  • The majority of patients with [disease name] remain asymptomatic for [duration/years].
  • Early clinical features include [manifestation 1], [manifestation 2], and [manifestation 3].
  • If left untreated, [#%] of patients with [disease name] may progress to develop [manifestation 1], [manifestation 2], and [manifestation 3].
  • Common complications of [disease name] include [complication 1], [complication 2], and [complication 3].
  • Prognosis is generally [excellent/good/poor], and the [1/5/10­year mortality/survival rate] of patients with [disease name] is approximately [#%].

Diagnosis

Patient #1: MR images demonstrate an expanded and empty sella

Diagnostic Criteria

  • The diagnosis of [disease name] is made when at least [number] of the following [number] diagnostic criteria are met:
  • [criterion 1]
  • [criterion 2]
  • [criterion 3]
  • [criterion 4]

Symptoms

  • [Disease name] is usually asymptomatic.
  • Symptoms of [disease name] may include the following:
  • [symptom 1]
  • [symptom 2]
  • [symptom 3]
  • [symptom 4]
  • [symptom 5]
  • [symptom 6]

Physical Examination

  • Patients with [disease name] usually appear [general appearance].
  • Physical examination may be remarkable for:
  • [finding 1]
  • [finding 2]
  • [finding 3]
  • [finding 4]
  • [finding 5]
  • [finding 6]

Laboratory Findings

  • There are no specific laboratory findings associated with [disease name].
  • A [positive/negative] [test name] is diagnostic of [disease name].
  • An [elevated/reduced] concentration of [serum/blood/urinary/CSF/other] [lab test] is diagnostic of [disease name].
  • Other laboratory findings consistent with the diagnosis of [disease name] include [abnormal test 1], [abnormal test 2], and [abnormal test 3].

Imaging Findings

  • There are no [imaging study] findings associated with [disease name].
  • [Imaging study 1] is the imaging modality of choice for [disease name].
  • On [imaging study 1], [disease name] is characterized by [finding 1], [finding 2], and [finding 3].
  • [Imaging study 2] may demonstrate [finding 1], [finding 2], and [finding 3].

Other Diagnostic Studies

  • [Disease name] may also be diagnosed using [diagnostic study name].
  • Findings on [diagnostic study name] include [finding 1], [finding 2], and [finding 3].

Treatment

Medical Therapy

  • There is no treatment for [disease name]; the mainstay of therapy is supportive care.
  • The mainstay of therapy for [disease name] is [medical therapy 1] and [medical therapy 2].
  • [Medical therapy 1] acts by [mechanism of action 1].
  • Response to [medical therapy 1] can be monitored with [test/physical finding/imaging] every [frequency/duration].

Surgery

  • Surgery is the mainstay of therapy for [disease name].
  • [Surgical procedure] in conjunction with [chemotherapy/radiation] is the most common approach to the treatment of [disease name].
  • [Surgical procedure] can only be performed for patients with [disease stage] [disease name].

Prevention

  • There are no primary preventive measures available for [disease name].
  • Effective measures for the primary prevention of [disease name] include [measure1], [measure2], and [measure3].
  • Once diagnosed and successfully treated, patients with [disease name] are followed-up every [duration]. Follow-up testing includes [test 1], [test 2], and [test 3].

References

  1. "Primary empty sella".
  2. "DIAGNOSIS OF ENDOCRINE DISEASE: Primary empty sella: a comprehensive review".
  3. "[Morphology of sella turcica and its relation to the pituitary gland]".
  4. Sato N, Sze G, Endo K (1998). "Hypophysitis: endocrinologic and dynamic MR findings". AJNR Am J Neuroradiol. 19 (3): 439–44. PMID 9541295.
  5. Powrie JK, Powell M, Ayers AB, Lowy C, Sönksen PH (1995). "Lymphocytic adenohypophysitis: magnetic resonance imaging features of two new cases and a review of the literature". Clin. Endocrinol. (Oxf). 42 (3): 315–22. PMID 7758238.
  6. Honegger J, Schlaffer S, Menzel C, Droste M, Werner S, Elbelt U, Strasburger C, Störmann S, Küppers A, Streetz-van der Werf C, Deutschbein T, Stieg M, Rotermund R, Milian M, Petersenn S (2015). "Diagnosis of Primary Hypophysitis in Germany". J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab. 100 (10): 3841–9. doi:10.1210/jc.2015-2152. PMID 26262437.
  7. Thodou E, Asa SL, Kontogeorgos G, Kovacs K, Horvath E, Ezzat S (1995). "Clinical case seminar: lymphocytic hypophysitis: clinicopathological findings". J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab. 80 (8): 2302–11. doi:10.1210/jcem.80.8.7629223. PMID 7629223.
  8. Imura H, Nakao K, Shimatsu A, Ogawa Y, Sando T, Fujisawa I, Yamabe H (1993). "Lymphocytic infundibuloneurohypophysitis as a cause of central diabetes insipidus". N. Engl. J. Med. 329 (10): 683–9. doi:10.1056/NEJM199309023291002. PMID 8345854.
  9. Hsieh CY, Liu BY, Yang YN, Yin WH, Young MS (2011). "Massive pericardial effusion with diastolic right ventricular compression secondary to hypothyroidism in a 73-year-old woman". Emerg Med Australas. 23 (3): 372–5. doi:10.1111/j.1742-6723.2011.01425.x. PMID 21668725.
  10. Dejager S, Gerber S, Foubert L, Turpin G (1998). "Sheehan's syndrome: differential diagnosis in the acute phase". J. Intern. Med. 244 (3): 261–6. PMID 9747750.

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