Empty sella syndrome
Empty Sella Syndrome
Empty sella syndrome (pronounced: /ˈɛmptiː ˈsɛlə sɪnˈdroʊm/) is a neurological disorder that involves the sella turcica, a bony structure at the base of the brain that surrounds and protects the pituitary gland.
Etymology
The term "empty sella" is derived from the Latin words "sella turcica" meaning "Turkish saddle" due to the structure's resemblance to a saddle used in the Ottoman Empire. The term "syndrome" is derived from the Greek word "σύνδρομο" meaning "concurrence of symptoms, concourse".
Definition
Empty sella syndrome is characterized by the herniation of the subarachnoid space into the sella turcica, causing it to appear "empty" on an MRI or CT scan. This condition can be classified into two types: primary empty sella syndrome (PESS) and secondary empty sella syndrome (SESS).
Primary Empty Sella Syndrome
Primary empty sella syndrome (PESS) occurs when a small anatomical defect in the diaphragma sellae allows cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) to enter the sella turcica, causing it to enlarge and give the appearance of an "empty sella".
Secondary Empty Sella Syndrome
Secondary empty sella syndrome (SESS) occurs as a result of the pituitary gland regressing within the cavity after an injury, surgery, radiation therapy, or as a consequence of pituitary adenoma.
Symptoms
Symptoms of empty sella syndrome can vary greatly and may include headache, impotence, amenorrhea and visual disturbances. In some cases, the syndrome may be asymptomatic and discovered incidentally during neuroimaging studies.
Treatment
Treatment for empty sella syndrome is typically symptomatic and may involve hormone replacement therapy if pituitary function is impaired. In cases where a tumor is present, surgery may be required.
Related Terms
- Sella turcica
- Pituitary gland
- Subarachnoid space
- Diaphragma sellae
- Pituitary adenoma
- Hormone replacement therapy
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Empty sella syndrome
- Wikipedia's article - Empty sella syndrome
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