Study of prevalence of endocrine abnormalities in primary empty sella

Abstract

Introduction: Empty sella is usually an incidental finding. Empty sella is an anatomical condition characterized by the presence of cerebrospinal fluid within the sella with a small pituitary gland compressed above the pituitary floor causing endocrine abnormalities. Aim: The aim of this study is to evaluate hormonal abnormalities associated with empty sella in tertiary care center. Materials and Methods: This ongoing study was carried out in patients attending to endocrine out-patient departments from August 2012 to July 2013. A detailed history and examination was done. Hormonal evaluation including free thyroid hormones, thyroid stimulating hormone, growth hormone (GH), follicular stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, cortisol and prolactin was done. Results: A total of 16 patients diagnosed clinically and biochemically of hormonal abnormalities were found to have empty sella on magnetic resonance imaging. Hypocortisolemia in 62.5% of cases, hypothyroidism in 50% of cases, in 18.75% hypogonadism, hyper prolactinemia in 18.7.5%, GH deficiency in 12.5% of cases and in 12.5% cases posterior pituitary involvement is seen. Conclusion: The high incidence of endocrine abnormalities associated with empty sella necessitates the need for prompt evaluation and early replacement of hormones for better quality-of-life.

Keywords

• Empty sella
• hypocortisolemia
• hyper prolactinemia
• hypothyroidism