Empty sella syndrome

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The pituitary gland

Empty sella syndrome is a condition in which the bones (sella turcica) that surround part of the pituitary gland shrink or become flattened.

The pituitary gland is a small gland located at the base of the brain. It makes several hormones that control the other glands in the body, including the thyroid, adrenal glands, ovaries, and testicles.

When the sella turcica surrounding the pituitary gland shrinks or becomes flattened, it can not be seen on CT or MRI scans. This is referred to as empty sella syndrome.

Primary empty sella syndrome occurs when a small defect above the pituitary gland increases pressure in area.

Secondary empty sella syndrome occurs when the sella is empty because the pituitary gland has shrunk following an injury, surgery, or radiation therapy.

Review Date: 10/25/2006
Reviewed By: Robert Hurd, M.D., Department of Biology, College of Arts and Sciences, Xavier University, Cincinnati, OH. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.