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We reported a case of a 68-year-old man who presented with recurrent fever and multiorgan dysfunction. His significantly elevated procalcitonin and C-reactive protein levels indicated recurrent sepsis. However, no focus of infection and no pathogens were identified through a variety of examinations and tests. Although the increase of creatine kinase was less than five times the upper limit of normal value, the diagnosis of rhabdomyolysis secondary to adrenal insufficiency resulting from primary empty sella syndrome was finally made, as supported by serum myoglobin elevation, serum cortisol, and adrenocorticotropic hormone deficiency, bilateral adrenal atrophy on computed tomography, and empty sella on magnetic resonance imaging. After the glucocorticoid replacement treatment, the patient's myoglobin gradually returned to normal range, and his condition continued to improve. Rhabdomyolysis resulting from a rare cause may be misdiagnosed as sepsis in patients who present with increased procalcitonin levels.

Abstract Background Empty sella syndrome is characterized by a constellation of symptoms that encompass various systems, and includes endocrine, neurologic, ophthalmologic, and psychiatric presentations. We here report a case of a young man presenting with severe hyponatremia due to empty sella syndrome and focus on changes in electrolytes during corticosteroid supplementation. Case report A 36-year-old man presented with general weakness, poor appetite, and dizziness for 4 days. Physical assessment revealed lower limbs nonpitting oedema. Pertinent laboratory data showed severe hyponatremia (sodium 108 mmol/L). Endocrine work-up revealed low cortisol levels at 1.17 µg/dL (reference: 4.82–19.5 µg/dL) and inappropriately normal adrenocorticotropic hormone levels at 12.4 pg/mL (reference: 0.1–46.0 pg/mL), indicating secondary adrenal insufficiency. Brain magnetic resonance imaging confirmed the diagnosis of empty sella syndrome. He developed delirium and agitation one day after cortisol supplementation with a sodium correction rate of 10 mmol/L/day, while hypokalaemia (potassium 3.4 mmol/L) also developed. The symptoms improved after lowering the serum sodium level. This patient was eventually discharged after 12 days of hospitalization when the serum sodium and potassium levels were 139 mmol/L and 3.5 mmol/L, respectively. Conclusion Herein, we address the importance of timely diagnosis of empty sella syndrome in patients with hyponatremia and highlight the close monitoring of the changes in electrolytes during corticosteroid replacement.

• Rhabdomyolysis can present with a sepsis-like manifestation. • Rhabdomyolysis may be a result of a rare cause - empty sella syndrome. • Elevated procalcitonin levels may occur under noninfectious inflammatory conditions. We reported a case of a 68-year-old man who presented with recurrent fever and multiorgan dysfunction. His significantly elevated procalcitonin and C-reactive protein levels indicated recurrent sepsis. However, no focus of infection and no pathogens were identified through a variety of examinations and tests. Although the increase of creatine kinase was less than five times the upper limit of normal value, the diagnosis of rhabdomyolysis secondary to adrenal insufficiency resulting from primary empty sella syndrome was finally made, as supported by serum myoglobin elevation, serum cortisol, and adrenocorticotropic hormone deficiency, bilateral adrenal atrophy on computed tomography, and empty sella on magnetic resonance imaging. After the glucocorticoid replacement treatment, the patient's myoglobin gradually returned to normal range, and his condition continued to improve. Rhabdomyolysis resulting from a rare cause may be misdiagnosed as sepsis in patients who present with increased procalcitonin levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spontaneous resolution of nonfunctioning pituitary adenoma after hemorrhagic apoplexy is a rare clinical entity of unknown etiology and is defined as disappearance of a tumor without any specific treatment. Here we present a 54-year-old male patient who presented with acute onset of severe headache, vomiting, photophobia, and sonophobia. He was referred to brain computed tomography, which showed a 16x12x16 mm tumor mass located in the sellar region with signs of hemorrhage. Endocrinologic evaluation was consistent with under-function of pituitary gonadotropic cells. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) performed ten days later was consistent with hemorrhagic apoplexy of the pituitary adenoma. The patient’s symptoms resolved after conservative treatment with dexamethasone, but he was scheduled for elective pituitary surgery. Preoperative MRI was performed one month after the first one and disclosed normal pituitary gland without any signs of adenoma. Our case is remarkable due to the fact that spontaneous remission of pituitary adenoma occurred within the first month, which is the shortest interval reported to date. Our case highlights the importance of conservative therapy as the first-line treatment for pituitary apoplexy in the absence of neurological impairment, since spontaneous remission may occur in a short time interval.

ObjectiveTo describe the work-up and treatment of rare ectopic acromegaly caused by a biopsy-proven somatotroph pituitary adenoma located within the bony intersphenoid septum of a patient with empty sella syndrome (ESS).MethodsWe report the presentation, clinical course, diagnostic work-up, and lesion localization and treatment challenges encountered in a 55-year-old patient, with a brief review of relevant literature.ResultsA 55-year-old African-American man presented with acromegaly and ESS. Attempts to definitively localize the causative tumor were unsuccessful, though petrosal sinus sampling supported central growth hormone production and imaging suggested bone-enclosed subsellar pituitary tissue. Endoscopic endonasal transphenoidal exploration was undertaken with resection of a somatotroph pituitary microadenoma, and subsequent clinical improvement and biochemical remission. Retrospective review revealed the patient's pituitary to have been located ectopically within a unique bony intersphenoid septum.ConclusionThis report describes the first known case of an ectopic pituitary adenoma located within the midline bony intersphenoid septum, which we postulate to have resulted from anomalous embryological pituitary migration. Intra-intersphenoid septal tumors should be considered in cases of apparent central acromegaly with ESS or absence of tumor tissue within the paranasal sinuses or other peripheral locations.IndexingAcromegaly, ESS, pituitary adenoma, sphenoid sinus septum.

Background: Empty sella syndrome is characterized by a constellation of symptoms that encompass various systems, and includes endocrine, neurologic, ophthalmologic, and psychiatric presentations. We here report a case of a young man presenting with severe hyponatremia due to empty sella syndrome and focus on changes in electrolytes during corticosteroid supplementation.Case Report: A 36-year-old man presented with general weakness, poor appetite, and dizziness for 4 days. Physical assessment revealed lower limbs nonpitting oedema. Pertinent laboratory data showed severe hyponatremia (sodium 108 mmol/L). Endocrine work-up revealed low cortisol levels at 1.17 µg/dL (reference: 4.82-19.5 µg/dL) and inappropriately normal adrenocorticotropic hormone levels at 12.4 pg/mL (reference: 0.1-46.0 pg/mL), indicating secondary adrenal insufficiency. Brain magnetic resonance imaging confirmed the diagnosis of empty sella syndrome. He developed delirium and agitation one day after cortisol supplementation with a sodium correction rate of 10 mmol/L/day, while hypokalaemia (potassium 3.4 mmol/L) also developed. The symptoms improved after lowering the serum sodium level. This patient was eventually discharged after 12 days of hospitalization when the serum sodium and potassium levels were 139 mmol/L and 3.5 mmol/L, respectively.Conclusion: Herein, we address the importance of timely diagnosis of empty sella syndrome in patients with hyponatremia and highlight the close monitoring of the changes in electrolytes during corticosteroid replacement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Acromegaly is an acquired disorder related to excessive production of growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1). Empty sella (ES) is an anatomical condition of sella turcica that is partially or completely filled with cerebrospinal fluid mainly due to intrasellar herniation of subarachnoid space. Here, we describe a patient who presented with clinical and biochemical features of acromegaly and who had an ES on pituitary magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Case report. A 73-year-old male patient was consulted in our clinic because of the acromegalic phenotype while planning for colorectal adenocarcinoma surgery. The patient noticed gradual enlarging of his hands, feet and nose for 30 years, but never consulted to any clinician for this reason. Serum GH was 20.6 ng/mL (normal <3 ng/mL) and IGF-1 was 531 ng/mL (normal, 69--200 ng/ml). An oral glucose tolerance test showed no suppression of GH values. T1-weighted MRI revealed an ES. 18F-FDG PET/CT and Ga-DOTATADE PET/CT did not show any finding consistent with ectopic GH secretion. Growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH) was within the normal range (<100mg/dL). He was treated with long-acting octreotide 20 mg per 28 days. At the 6th month of treatment, serum GH and IGF-1 levels were decreased to 5.45 ng/mL and 274 ng/mL, respectively. Conclusion. The mechanism underlying the association of acromegaly and ES remains unclear. Apoplexy on existing pituitary adenoma and then formation of necrosis can proceed to ES. Since our patient did not have a history of pituitary apoplexy and we could not find any reason for secondary ES, we considered primary ES. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sella turcica is the normal neuroanatomical location of the pituitary gland. Empty sella syndrome (ESS) is a rare condition in which the sella turcica is partially or completely filled with cerebrospinal fluid. It is a radiological diagnosis that is often made incidentally following imaging for another reason (eg, to exclude intracranial hemorrhage following head injury) or as part of the work-up when investigating a patient's neurological symptoms. ESS can be classified as primary or secondary, depending on the identification of underlying etiologies. We report the highly unusual case of a 74-year-old patient who presented with progressive neurological disturbance many years after receiving intrathecal chemotherapy. Clinical assessment (including cross-sectional imaging) led to a diagnosis of secondary ESS.

Abstract Background Primary Empty Sella (PES) syndrome is an increasingly common disorder, mostly diagnosed as an incidental finding during brain imaging scans. We intended to review the clinical management and hormonal profile of patients with PES. Methods The study included ten-year retrospective analysis of registry containing PES cases in the period 2007 to 2017, from a single tertiary care center. The keyword ‘primary empty sella’ was used to retrieve patient details from the radiology unit. The clinical and biochemical profile of PES patients was analyzed. Case management of PES patients and their rate of referral to endocrinologists was explored. Results The registry had 765 cases with a male: female ratio of 1:3.8 suggesting female predominance by almost four times. Although not significant, the onset of disease was earlier for males [Mean ± standard deviation (SD) (46.7 years ±17.3 vs 48.8 years±14.1), p = 0.110]. Almost 79% of the cases were found as an incidental finding during Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Of the total PES cases, only 20% were referred to the endocrinologists and the rest were handled by general physicians. Only 1–2.5% of the cases were evaluated for gonadal, growth and adrenal hormones by the general physicians. The hormonal evaluation by the endocrinologists was also found to be sub-optimal. Headache and visual disturbances were the most common presenting complaints followed by menstrual abnormalities. Endocrine abnormalities like thyroid dysfunction, hyperprolactinemia, hypogonadism and hypocortisolism were highly prevalent among those assessed. Conclusion There is a gross under-evaluation of hormonal assessment and minimal case-referral to Endocrinologists. PES is associated with varying degrees of hormonal dysfunction, and hence early assessment and management is needed. Establishing a standard protocol for diagnosis and case management is essential with the involvement of a multidisciplinary team consisting of endocrinologists, neurologists, primary care phys icians and ophthalmologists.

Background: The empty sella syndrome (ESS) is a neurological or pathologic finding in which sella turcica is devoid of pituitary tissue and the subarachnoid space extends into sella turcica, which is either primary or secondary as well as partial and complete. The widespread use of CT scans and MRIs today has made the ESS a common finding in imaging. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of the empty sella syndrome. Methods: This is a retrospective descriptive-analytic study in which all patients referred to Imam Ali Hospital (Zahedan) for electromagnetic brain imaging (n=1856) were recruited by cross-sectional sampling during the first 6 months from 21 March 2018 to 23 September 2018. Inclusion criteria included the absence of another known problem in the central nervous system and the absence of concurrent underlying disease. The data gathering tool was a questionnaire consisting of demographic and related variable to empty sella disorder. Results: The results of this study showed that the prevalence of empty sella was 8.2% with a mean age of 37.02±12.51 years. 66.4% of the patients were female. The prevalence of primary empty sella was 78.9% with a mean age of 34.51±11.26 years. 71.7% of the patients had partial empty sella. There was a significant difference between the mean age and sex of patients with empty sella and non-empty sella subjects (P=0.008) and (P

Empty sella is the neuroradiological or pathological finding of an empty sella turcica containing no pituitary tissue. Even though empty sella syndrome (ESS) and schizophrenia are both relatively common in the general population, to the best of our knowledge, there is only one similar case report regarding the co-occurrence of those two conditions

Hypothyroidism is a common pathological condition of thyroid hormone deficiency that varies widely in relation to both the acuity with which the deficiency develops and the clinical manifestations of the disease. While hypothyroidism is commonly mild or even subclinical, one rare complication of hypothyroidism that can cause multiorgan dysfunction is myxedema coma. Myxedema coma is precipitated by an acute stressor such as infection, surgery, or trauma, which disrupts the otherwise compensatory mechanisms present in severe hypothyroidism. Swift diagnosis and treatment of the condition is vital to improving patient outcomes as mortality from myxedema coma ranges from 40 to 60%. The mainstay of treatment includes IV levothyroxine (LT4) with or without the use of liothyronine (LT3). Here we present a case of a patient who presented with presyncope in the setting of generalized fatigue, poor appetite, anhedonia, and slowed speech and movement. Full workup revealed hypotension, hyponatremia, hypoglycemia, respiratory acidosis, undetectable cortisol, free T4, total T4 and an inappropriately normal TSH level. A diagnosis of myxedema coma and adrenal crisis due to pituitary dysfunction was made. A combination of 300 mcg IV LT4 and 5 mcg IV LT3 every 8 hours was used with successful resolution of the patient's symptoms. The patient is currently well maintained on a combination of oral LT4 and hydrocortisone replacement with no further endocrinological complications. This case underscores the need for physicians to maintain a high index of suspicion for secondary adrenal insufficiency and central hypothyroidism in patients with compatible symptoms or risk factors. Furthermore, it also highlights the successful treatment of adrenal crisis and myxedema coma with severe cardiogenic shock with a combination of hydrocortisone, levothyroxine, and liothyronine therapy.

Pembrolizumab, an anti-programmed death-1 specific monoclonal antibody is a second-line treatment for metastatic urothelial carcinoma. Physicians should be aware of adverse immune-related events associated with the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors, particularly adrenocortical insufficiency, which poses a risk of death.We report a case of secondary adrenocortical insufficiency due to isolated adrenocorticotropic hormone deficiency with empty sella syndrome after pembrolizumab treatment in a patient with metastatic renal pelvic cancer. Fortunately, a therapeutic effect was observed 4 months after discontinuation of pembrolizumab, and a durable antitumor response has persisted for 5 months.

This case is about a 68 years old patient presented with worsening generalized weakness, dizziness, low mood and reduced appetite with the background history of gout and vitamin D deficiency. On general examination, the patient appeared very lethargic. However, the systemic examination was unremarkable. The vitals check showed a low blood pressure of 104/72 mm Hg. The investigations showed low levels of serum Sodium, Thyroid stimulating hormone, Cortisol. The short Synacthen test was abnormal. The anterior pituitary hormones level showed low levels of Follicle stimulating hormone, Luteinizing hormone and prolactin. CT head with contrast showed enlarged fluid filled pituitary fossa with fat. An MRI Pituitary gland showed an empty sella syndrome. The patient was hydrated initially and electrolytes were monitored regularly. Treated with hydrocortisone and thyroxine to which the patient responded and improved significantly. A follow-up appointment was arranged at endocrine clinic

Background: This two-patient case series describes a rare sequela of postoperative empty sella syndrome (ESS) following transsphenoidal resection of pituitary macroadenomas. This is characterized by progressive hormone dysfunction, diabetes insipidus (DI), and associated MRI evidence of pituitary stalk disruption. Case Description: This phenomenon was retrospectively evaluated in a review of 2000 pituitary tumor resections performed by a single neurosurgeon (KOL). Chart review was retrospectively conducted to gather data on demographics, pituitary hormone status, tumor characteristics, and management. We identified 2 (0.1%) cases of progressive pituitary endocrine dysfunction occurring in the postoperative period associated with MRI evidence of pituitary stalk disruption within 6 weeks of discharge from the hospital. This was felt to be caused by the rapid descent of the residual normal pituitary gland down to the floor of the postoperative empty sella, causing relatively swift stalk stretching. Both patients developed DI, and one patient demonstrated increased pituitary hormone dysfunction. Conclusion: This phenomenon is a rare manifestation of postoperative ESS, secondary to surgical resection of a pituitary macroadenoma. We discuss the associated potential risk factors and strategies for avoidance in these two cases. Routine instillation of intrasellar fat in patients at risk is felt to be protective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SummarySpontaneous lateral sphenoid cephaloceles arise from bony defects in the lateral sphenoid, in the absence of predisposing factors such as trauma, surgery, mass, or congenital skull base malformation. We reviewed CT and MR imaging findings and clinical data of 26 patients with spontaneous lateral sphenoid cephaloceles to better understand anatomic contributions to pathogenesis, varying clinical and imaging manifestations, and descriptive terminology. Two types of spontaneous lateral sphenoid cephaloceles were identified. In 15 of 26 patients, a type 1 spontaneous lateral sphenoid cephalocele was noted, herniating into a pneumatized lateral recess of the sphenoid sinus, and typically presenting with CSF leak and/or headache. In 11 of 26 patients, a type 2 spontaneous lateral sphenoid cephalocele was noted, isolated to the greater sphenoid wing without extension into the sphenoid sinus, presenting with seizures, headaches, meningitis, cranial neuropathy, or detected incidentally. All patients had sphenoid arachnoid pits, and 61% of patients had an empty or partially empty sella, suggesting that altered CSF dynamics may play a role in their genesis.

Background: Empty sella is an imaging finding previously thought to be of no clinical consequence in our environment. It has been classified into primary empty sella which is related to increased intracranial pressure and secondary empty sella which is considered a sequel of previous pituitary lesions. Studies have documented various clinical manifestations which we are beginning to see in our environment. Methods: This is a retrospective study done over a three-year period between May 2016- May 2019 in a private radiodiagnostic center. The subjects presented for brain magnetic resonance imaging for diverse, chronic clinical symptoms such as chronic headaches, visual disturbances and galactorrhoea and empty sella was found on imaging. The essence of the imaging was to demonstrate or to rule out a structural cause for the clinical symptoms of the subjects. Results: Eight female subjects between the ages of 34-56 years with a mean age of 45.0 ± 11.0 years presented with chronic symptoms. The most common symptoms were headaches (n = 8, 100%), visual disturbances (n = 3, 37.5%), chronic fatigue (n = 3, 37.5%), galactorrhea (n = 2, 25%), secondary infertility (n = 2, 25%), weight gain (n = 2, 25%) and psychotic symptoms (n = 2, 25%). Imaging finding showed empty sella in all subjects. One subject had features of chronic venous infarct. Conclusion: Empty sella syndrome presents in complex ways. Most of the symptoms can be explained by increased pressure on structures around the sella which control various organs in the body. In a resource poor setting like ours, empty sella should be considered in obese female subjects with chronic headaches.

This case is about a 68 years old patient who presented with worsening generalized weakness, dizziness, low mood, and reduced appetite with a background history of gout and vitamin D deficiency. On general examination, the patient appeared very lethargic. However, the systemic examination was unremarkable. The vitals check showed a low blood pressure of 104/72 mm Hg. The investigations showed low levels of serum Sodium, Thyroid-stimulating hormone, Cortisol. The short Synacthen test was abnormal. The anterior pituitary hormone level showed low levels of Follicle-stimulating hormone, Luteinizing hormone, and prolactin. CT head with contrast showed enlarged fluid-filled pituitary fossa with fat. An MRI Pituitary gland showed an empty sella syndrome. The patient was hydrated initially and electrolytes were monitored regularly. Treated with hydrocortisone and thyroxine to which the patient responded and improved significantly. A follow-up appointment was arranged at the endocrine clinic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The empty sella syndrome (ESS) is a neurological or pathologic finding in which sella turcica is devoid of pituitary tissue and the subarachnoid space extends into sella turcica, which is either primary or secondary as well as partial and complete. The widespread use of CT scans and MRIs today has made the ESS a common finding in imaging. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of the empty sella syndrome. Methods: This is a retrospective descriptive-analytic study in which all patients referred to Imam Ali Hospital (Zahedan) for electromagnetic brain imaging (n=1856) were recruited by cross-sectional sampling during the first 6 months from 21 March 2018 to 23 September 2018. Inclusion criteria included the absence of another known problem in the central nervous system and the absence of concurrent underlying disease. The data gathering tool was a questionnaire consisting of demographic and related variable to empty sella disorder. Results: The results of this study showed that the prevalence of empty sella was 8.2% with a mean age of 37.02±12.51 years. 66.4% of the patients were female. The prevalence of primary empty sella was 78.9% with a mean age of 34.51±11.26 years. 71.7% of the patients had partial empty sella. There was a significant difference between the mean age and sex of patients with empty sella and non-empty sella subjects (P=0.008) and (P<0.0001). There was a statistically significant difference between the mean age of affected patients with type of empty sella (P<0.0001). There was no statistically significant difference between mean age of patients with empty sella and severity of empty sella (P=0.056). There was no significant difference between the frequency of empty sella type and the severity with gender (P=0.224) and (P=0.091). Conclusion: The findings of this study indicated that the overall prevalence of empty sella in the referring patients was relatively low. Most of them were females with primary type and minor severity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Empty sella is an imaging finding previously thought to be of no clinical consequence in our environment. It has been classified into primary empty sella which is related to increased intracranial pressure and secondary empty sella which is considered a sequel of previous pituitary lesions. Studies have documented various clinical manifestations which we are beginning to see in our environment. Methods: This is a retrospective study done over a three-year period between May 2016- May 2019 in a private radiodiagnostic center. The subjects presented for brain magnetic resonance imaging for diverse, chronic clinical symptoms such as chronic headaches, visual disturbances and galactorrhoea and empty sella was found on imaging. The essence of the imaging was to demonstrate or to rule out a structural cause for the clinical symptoms of the subjects. Results: Eight female subjects between the ages of 34-56 years with a mean age of 45.0 ± 11.0 years presented with chronic symptoms. The most common symptoms were headaches (n = 8, 100%), visual disturbances (n = 3, 37.5%), chronic fatigue (n = 3, 37.5%), galactorrhea (n = 2, 25%), secondary infertility (n = 2, 25%), weight gain (n = 2, 25%) and psychotic symptoms (n = 2, 25%). Imaging finding showed empty sella in all subjects. One subject had features of chronic venous infarct. Conclusion: Empty sella syndrome presents in complex ways. Most of the symptoms can be explained by increased pressure on structures around the sella which control various organs in the body. In a resource poor setting like ours, empty sella should be considered in obese female subjects with chronic headaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Data regarding the etiology, clinical and biochemical patterns in hypopituitarism is scant for Pakistan. We describe the characteristics of patients with hypopituitarism other than sellar and parasellar tumors or traumatic brain injury from a tertiary care center in Pakistan. Methods: We conducted a retrospective descriptive study in the Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan. We studied all patients presenting with hypopituitarism, between January 2004 and December 2013. Clinical, hormonal and imaging data pertinent to the study was collected according to inclusion criteria. Results: Forty-two patients presented to the endocrinology clinics at the Aga Khan University Hospital during the study period. Thirty-seven patients (88.1%) were females. Mean age ± standard deviation of the participants was 53.8 ± 14.7 years. Sixteen patients had secondary infertility and all were females; a majority of patients in this group had Sheehan’s syndrome (n=8) followed by empty sella syndrome (n=3), partial empty sella syndrome (n=2), idiopathic cause (n=2) and tuberculoma (n=1). Eighteen females (48.6%) reported inability to lactate. Conclusions: Non-traumatic hypopituitarism was more common in women, with Sheehan syndrome being the most common cause of hypopituitarism in our study (35.7%). Secondary hypothyroidism was the most common hormonal deficiency. The most commonly reported symptom was weakness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 25-year-old Saudi female with a known case of autoimmune thyroiditis presented to the Emergency Room in stuporous condition. A blood test revealed a blood sugar level of 1.7 mmols/l (30.6 mg/dl). The patient was resuscitated with intravenous glucose. Further evaluations of the patient revealed celiac disease and idiopathic thrombocytopenia with preexisting autoimmune thyroiditis (polyglandular autoimmune syndrome III [PAS III]). The severe hypoglycemia, coupled with 6 years of infertility evaluation, revealed a rare association of empty sella syndrome with hypopituitarism {PAS II}.

Background: Empty sella syndrome (ESS) is a condition in which there is loss of volume of the pituitary gland, which is the normal constituent of the sella turcica. There may be visual and endocrine deficits associated with this condition, and radiologically, there may be downward prolapse of the optic chiasm. It occurs in a primary ESS, poorly understood form, as well as a secondary ESS form that follows medical or surgical treatment of a pituitary macroadenoma, or else spontaneous hemorrhage into such a tumor. Case Description: A 56-year-old man presenting with deficits of both visual acuity and visual fields in the setting of radiological ESS without associated optic chiasm prolapse is discussed. He underwent endoscopic endonasal chiasmapexy with gradual improvement of his visual function over the following 6 months. Conclusion: ESS is a potentially potent cause of visual deterioration that lends itself to reversal through a relatively simple neurosurgical technique. This case illustrates that actual prolapse of the chiasm is neither a prerequisite for visual deterioration nor its reversal the mechanism of visual improvement after chiasmapexy, raising the question of the mechanisms at play in cases such as this. It confirms the role of chiasmapexy in the management of selected cases of ESS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: We have evaluated the anatomic measurements on sellar area of patients who were radiologically diagnosed with empty sella to determine the relation between the amount of pressure on the adenohypophysis and hormonal imbalances. Materials and Methods: Sixty-one cases were diagnosed with empty sella and had hormone tests and hypophysis magnetic resonance (MR). The cases were categorized into two groups – patients with hypophyseal hormone anomaly and patients without hormone anomaly. We have measured interclinoid distance, anteroposterior distance from the anterior diaphragm sella to the pituitary stalk, depth of the sella turcica, craniocaudal distance of the optic chiasm from the diaphragm sella, the heights of the right and left adenohypophysis, subcutaneous fat thickness measured orthogonal to the coronal suture and posteriorly at the level of C2–C3 for two groups on hypophysis and cranial MR imaging MRI. Results: Twenty-five hormone-positive cases (40.9%) (hormone test were abnormal) and 36 hormone-negative cases (59.1%) (hormone tests were normal) were included in the study. The most common hormone abnormality was thyroid-stimulating hormone, T3 and T4 deficiency in 12 cases (48%) and increase in prolactin level in 7 cases (28%). Right adenohypophysis height was 1.54 ± 0.840 mm for the 1st group, and 1.96 ± 0.83 mm for the 2nd group. The left adenohypophysis height was 1.66 ± 0.80 mm for the 1st group, and 1.94 ± 0.94 mm for the 2nd group. It was found out that the thickness at right and left side in the hormone-positive group diminished significantly. Conclusion: Adenohypophysis height and distance between stalk and optic nerve were good determiner for hormone defect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hypopituitarism can present with psychiatric symptoms. We report a unique case of psychosis in clear consciousness in a case of hypopituitarism due to the secondary empty sella syndrome following a Russell's viper bite which was untreated and presented with psychotic symptoms for past 13 years following the snake bite. After the diagnosis of psychosis due to hypopituitarism was made, the patient was treated with levothyroxine and prednisolone supplements and his psychotic symptoms subsided without any psychotropic drugs. Vasculotoxic snake bites can cause hypopituitarism and can present with psychosis. Further research will be needed into the prevalence of this phenomenon.

Macroprolactinemia is a polymeric form of prolactin-release, causing mildly symptomatic clinical pictures. The former can be isolated or associated with other causes of hyperprolactinemia. The association with an empty sella syndrome is rare. We report a case of a female patient discovered with this association. It's about a female patient 47 years old, followed up since the age of 31 years for bilateral galactorrhea and a spaniomenorrhea. There has been no associated drug intake. Her exploration has showed a serum prolactin level of 635 mIU/L. Thyroid test results were normal T4 = 10,2ng/L and TSH = 1.76 mIU/L. A brain scan has showed an empty sella turcica. Despite the unchanged levels of prolactinemia, the evolution under dopaminergic 5 mg /D has been marked by the occurrence of a pregnancy with persistent moderate hyperprolactinemia in the postpartum. Chromatography has showed a predominance of the macroprolactin form with: Prolactin monomer at 4.8%, Big Prolactin at 5% and Big Big Prolactin at 83%, thus stopping bromocriptine. Our observation suggests that macroprolactinemia can be associated with conventional etiologies of moderate hyperprolactinemia as the empty sella syndrome. Its detection would prevent the use of dopaminergic therapy which seems not useful.

It is described a case of combined empty sella syndrome and adrenal tumor with pseudo precocious puberty in 4 years old boy. Before the operative treatment of adrenal tumor pseudo precocious puberty was determined, then after surgery hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and short stature on the background of empty sella syndrome were diagnozed. The treatment with gene engineering growth hormone (the patient had open physis) and course of chorionic gonadotropin are required.

Empty Sella refers to the absence or relative absence of the pituitary gland on radiologic imaging of the Sella turcica. This is usually an incidental finding, and as few as 10% patients presents with Hypopituitarism. The authors report a 13.5-year-old boy who presei1ted with short stature and absence of signs of pubertal onset. Hormonal assay showed panhypopi­tuitarism. X-ray left wrist joint showed delayed bone age and finally MRl of the brain revealed empty Sella. Growth hormone replacement therapy was started to increase the height. The boy is now on regular follow up to monitor response to treatment.

Abstract Objective To describe the work-up and treatment of rare ectopic acromegaly caused by a biopsy-proven somatotroph pituitary adenoma located within the bony intersphenoid septum of a patient with empty sella syndrome (ESS). Methods We report the presentation, clinical course, diagnostic work-up, and lesion localization and treatment challenges encountered in a 55-year-old patient, with a brief review of relevant literature. Results A 55-year-old African-American man presented with acromegaly and ESS. Attempts to definitively localize the causative tumor were unsuccessful, though petrosal sinus sampling supported central growth hormone production and imaging suggested bone-enclosed subsellar pituitary tissue. Endoscopic endonasal transphenoidal exploration was undertaken with resection of a somatotroph pituitary microadenoma, and subsequent clinical improvement and biochemical remission. Retrospective review revealed the patient's pituitary to have been located ectopically within a unique bony intersphenoid septum. Conclusion This report describes the first known case of an ectopic pituitary adenoma located within the midline bony intersphenoid septum, which we postulate to have resulted from anomalous embryological pituitary migration. Intra-intersphenoid septal tumors should be considered in cases of apparent central acromegaly with ESS or absence of tumor tissue within the paranasal sinuses or other peripheral locations. Indexing Acromegaly, ESS, pituitary adenoma, sphenoid sinus septum.

INTRODUCTION/OBJECTIVES: Empty sella is the neuroradiological or pathological finding of an empty sella turcica containing no pituitary tissue. Even though empty sella syndrome (ESS) and schizophrenia are both relatively common in the general population, to the best of our knowledge, there is only one similar case report regarding the co-occurrence of those two conditions. CASE PRESENTATION: We present two patients with empty sella findings on brain magnetic resonance imaging and with the diagnosis of treatment-resistant schizophrenia (TRS). A 50-year-old female who has had schizophrenia for 37 years was treated with olanzapine 20 mg, carbamazepine 800 mg and clozapine 500 mg daily, while a 33-year-old male with schizophrenia for 12 years was taking olanzapine 25 mg, promazine 300 mg, diazepam 30 mg, fluphenazine 4,5 mg and carbamazepine 600 mg daily. They both had severe psychopathology, including physical aggression, grossly disorganized behavior, hostility, overwhelming delusions and hallucinations, which required constant supervision. While all treatment options were ineffective for many months, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) was indicated and the patients’ symptoms subsided significantly after 12 treatments of ECT. CONCLUSION: The relationship between TRS and ESS is completely unknown, given scarce literature reports so far. Our cases showed that the presence of empty sella was associated with the lack of response, but with unusually good tolerance to many antipsychotics in very high doses. This is also the second report on the use of ECT in those patients. According to this, ECT might be a safe and effective option in patients with TRS who have radiological findings of ESS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]