Asymptomatic Empty Sella Syndrome: A “New” Hypothalamic Pathology or Paraphysiological Variant

Title:Asymptomatic Empty Sella Syndrome: A “New” Hypothalamic Pathology or Paraphysiological Variant

Volume: 24

Author(s): Benedetta Masserini*, Benedetta Rivolta, Irene Bernardi, Antonella Camera, Federico Liboà, Sebastiano Bruno Solerte, Chiara Cerabolini and Nadia Cerutti

Affiliation:

• Dirigente Medico, SC Nutrizione Clinica, Diabetologia e Malattie Endocrine, ASST Pavia, Italy

Abstract:

Introduction: The term empty sella refers to a shrunken or displaced (by a subarachnoid diverticulum) pituitary gland. It can be primary (genetically determined) or secondary (due to trauma/surgery/radiation). It has been reported that 50% of patients are asymptomatic, and others experience symptoms, such as headache, hypertension, or visual field defects. Few cases have an empty sella syndrome, i.e., lacking functional pituitary hormones. Diagnosis is made through NMR or CT. If asymptomatic, this condition requires no treatment; otherwise, empty sella syndrome needs hormonal replacement therapy. We examined the case of asymptomatic empty sella syndrome.

Case Report: A 67-year-old female patient was admitted for dilatative cardiomyopathy. She had a past medical history of arterial hypertension and right ICA endovascular repair. Blood tests demonstrated hypothyroidism, hypoadrenalism, and GH deficiency, without any signs or symptoms. NRM confirmed an empty sella, hence replacement therapy with levothyroxine and cortisone acetate was started. During a follow-up evaluation, we discovered that this biochemical profile of the patient had been known for more than a decade and never treated. Despite being exposed to stress conditions, vascular surgery and angiography, she never developed an adrenal crisis, nor has she ever been symptomatic for severe hypothyroidism. Hormonal replacement therapy was performed.

Conclusion: The described clinical scenario is rare, as usually, empty sella syndrome presents with signs of hormone deficiency, even if asymptomatic cases have been described. Some authors suggest considering it as a hypothalamic dysfunction requiring treatment; others identify it as a paraphysiological variant. However, more cases are needed to establish a correct therapeutic strategy for these patients.

Cite this article as:

Masserini Benedetta*, Rivolta Benedetta, Bernardi Irene, Camera Antonella, Liboà Federico, Solerte Sebastiano Bruno, Cerabolini Chiara and Cerutti Nadia, Asymptomatic Empty Sella Syndrome: A “New” Hypothalamic Pathology or Paraphysiological Variant, Endocrine, Metabolic & Immune Disorders - Drug Targets 2024; 24 () . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/0118715303314951240722093133