Empty sella syndrome 4294023 202140696 2008-03-30T21:05:23Z 189.6.180.226 {{Infobox_Disease | Name = {{PAGENAME}} | Image = | Caption = | DiseasesDB = 31523 | ICD10 = | ICD9 = {{ICD9|253.8}} | ICDO = | OMIM = | MedlinePlus = | eMedicineSubj = | eMedicineTopic = | MeshID = D004652 }} '''Empty sella syndrome''' (abbreviated '''ESS''') is a disorder that involves the [[sella turcica]], a bony structure at the base of the brain that surrounds and protects the [[pituitary gland]]. ESS is a condition that is often discovered during tests for pituitary disorders, when radiological imaging of the pituitary gland reveals a sella turcica that appears to be empty. ==Classification== There are two types of ESS: ''primary'' and ''secondary''. * Primary ESS happens when a small anatomical defect above the pituitary gland increases pressure in the sella turcica and causes the gland to flatten out along the interior walls of the sella turcica cavity. Primary ESS is associated with [[obesity]] and [[high blood pressure]] in women. The disorder sometimes results in a build-up of fluid pressure inside the [[skull]] and the pituitary gland may be smaller than usual. * Secondary ESS is the result of the pituitary gland regressing within the cavity after an [[injury]], [[surgery]], or [[radiation therapy]]. Individuals with secondary ESS due to destruction of the pituitary gland have symptoms that reflect the loss of pituitary functions, such as the ceasing of [[menstrual period]]s, [[infertility]], [[fatigue (physical)|fatigue]], and intolerance to stress and infection. ==Associated conditions and diagnosis== In children, ESS may be associated with [[precocious puberty|early onset of puberty]], [[growth hormone]] deficiency, pituitary tumors, or pituitary gland dysfunction. [[MRI]] scans are useful in evaluating ESS and differentiating it from other disorders that produce an enlarged sella. == Treatment == Unless the syndrome results in other medical problems, treatment for endocrine dysfunction associated with pituitary malfunction is symptomatic and supportive. In some cases, surgery may be needed. == Prognosis == ESS is not a life-threatening illness. == External links == * {{NINDS|emptysella}} {{Endocrine pathology}} [[Category:Neurology]] [[Category:neuroendocrinology]] [[Category:obesity]] [[pl:Zespół pustego siodła]] [[pt:Síndrome da sela vazia]]