Endocrinology Health Guide

Empty Sella Syndrome

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What is empty sella syndrome?
Empty sella syndrome is common in women who are overweight or have high blood pressure. Characterized by an enlarged bony structure (sella turcica) that houses the pituitary gland at the base of the brain, the disorders sometimes results in high fluid pressure inside the skull. The pituitary gland is usually normal or small in size.

What are the symptoms of empty sella syndrome?
Each individual may experience symptoms differently. Besides high fluid pressure in the skull, which occurs in about 10 percent of patients, another symptom is a chronically runny nose.

How is empty sella syndrome diagnosed?
In addition to a complete medical history and medical examination, diagnostic procedures for empty sella syndrome may include:

x-ray of the skull

computed tomography (CT or CAT scan) - a non-invasive procedure that takes cross-sectional images of the brain or other internal organs; to detect any abnormalities that may not show up on an ordinary x-ray

magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) - a non-invasive procedure that produces two-dimensional views of an internal organ or structure, especially the brain or spinal cord

The symptoms of empty sella syndrome may resemble other conditions or medical problems. Consult a physician for diagnosis.

How is empty sella syndrome treated?
Specific treatment for empty sella syndrome will be determined by your physician based on:

your overall health and medical history
extent of the disease
your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
expectations for the course of the disease
your opinion or preference

If there are no other symptoms, and if the pituitary gland is not enlarged, treatment may not be necessary for empty sella syndrome.

This page was last updated on: August 3, 2010.

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