Study of Empty Sella Syndrome in Al-Assad University Hospital


Abstract in English

The empty sella syndrome (ESS) is an asymptomatic radiological syndrome, affecting 6% of post-menopausal women and can be seen in all ages. The results were similar with other studies in many respects, such as a wide age spectrum including children, and the occurrence of diabetes insipidus in 5.97%. The results of our study were discordant with other studies with respect to hyperprolactinemia which reached 58.2% in our study (in other studies did not exceed 33.7%). No concurrent cases of secretory pituitary adenomas were found (studies refer to an incidence of acromegaly and Cushing’s syndrome in 2.6% of ESS for each). We did not record CSF rhinorrhea nor were visual disturbances seen in our cohort. Patients received symptomatic treatment and none were referred to surgery.

References used

Bjerre P. The empty sella : A reappraisal of etiology and pathogenesis. Acta Neurol Scand 1990; 130 (Suppl): 1-25
Schaeffer JP: Some points in the regional anatomy of the optic pathway with special reference to tumors of the hypophysis cerebri and resulting ocular changes. Anat Rec 28:243--279, 1924
Empty Sella Syndrome. Journal, Indian Academy of Clinical Medicine Vol. 2, No. 3 July-September 2001

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