Empty Sella Syndrome
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What is Empty Sella Syndrome?
Is there any treatment?
What is the prognosis?
What research is being done?
Organizations
What is Empty Sella Syndrome?
Empty Sella Syndrome (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 turica that
appears to be empty. 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 turica and causes the gland
to flatten out along the interior walls of the sella turica 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 periods, infertility, fatigue, and intolerance to stress and infection. In children, ESS may be
associated with 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.
Is there any treatment?
What is the prognosis?
What research is being done?
Select this link to view a list of studies currently seeking patients.
National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) P.O. Box 1968 (55 Kenosia Avenue) Danbury, CT 06813-1968 orphan@rarediseases.org http://www.rarediseases.org Tel: 203-744-0100 Voice Mail 800-999-NORD (6673) Fax: 203-798-2291 |
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Last updated February 12, 2007