Empty sella syndrome

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The pituitary gland

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Empty sella syndrome

Primary empty sella syndrome:

• Occasional symptoms due to elevated prolactin levels
• Irregular or absent menstruation
• Low libido
• Impotence (erectile dysfunction)

Often, there are no symptoms or loss of pituitary function.

Secondary empty sella syndrome:

• Symptoms are due to loss of pituitary gland function.
• See the article on hypopituitarism for a complete review.

Brain imaging studies may show the following:

• Enlarged sella and absent pituitary gland on CT scan
• Enlarged sella and absent pituitary gland on MRI scan

Tests of pituitary gland function may be performed to make sure that the gland is working normally. This testing is reviewed in the article on hypopituitarism.

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