Empty Sella Syndrome is a medical condition, in which enlarged sella turcica (a bony structure at the brain base) houses a small or normal sized pituitary gland. An empty sella syndrome is more likely to occur in females with high blood pressure or in women, who are overweight.

About 10% individuals with empty sella syndrome experience chronic runny nose and appr. 10% progress high fluid pressure inside the skull.

In some cases, an individuals may have a small pituitary tumor, almost always benign, that secretes corticotropin, prolactin, or growth hormone.

MRI (magnetic resonanse imaging) , CT (computed tomography) or ordinary X-RAY of the skull can show the enlarged sella turcica. Generally, no treatment is required for this syndrome.  However, if sella turcica is enlarged, it indicates that pituitary gland is also may be enlarged. MRI and CT (computed tomography) may help the doctor distinguish an empty sella syndrome from other enlarged sella turcica’s causes. For instance, a benign or malignant tumors may enlarge the pituitary gland, affecting either the pituitary gland or the hypothalamus. An enlarged pituitary gland can create symptoms, such as headache, due to the enlarged gland frequently presssing up on the optic nerve, leading to vision loss. A loss of vision is unique, usually affecting only the outermost vision fields in both eyes.

This entry was filed under Diseases and Conditions.

Tags: empty sella syndrome, empty sella syndrome symptoms, hypopituitarism, pituitary gland