Empty Sella Turcica Syndrome: About a Case Revealed by Adrenal Insufficiency ()
1. Introduction
The empty sella turcica is defined as a hernia of the subarachnoid space in the sella turcica (arachnocele). It can be partial if less than 50% of the sellar space is filled with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) or complete. It can also be primary if there is no pathological process in the sellar region preceding the pituitary lesion or secondary related to pathological processes in the region. The primary form, of unknown aetiology, is rarer. Its prevalence varies according to the means of diagnosis used, whether anatomopathological or radiological [1]. In Africa, some cases have been reported [2] [3]. Its discovery may be fortuitous radiological. Endocrine dysfunction and/or neurological manifestations may lead to the diagnosis. Headaches and visual disturbances are the most frequent symptoms [1]. For endocrine dysfunction, the most of time, hormone deficits are multiple. Isolated adrenal insufficiency is a rare presentation of empty sella turcica [4].
We report an observation of a primary empty sella turcica syndrome, revealed by a central adrenal insufficiency.
2. Observation
A 38-year-old woman with a history of eclampsia and high blood pressure treated by Amlodipine 10 mg was received at our hospital. She consulted for diffuse and severe headaches, not calmed by the usual analgesics, without triggering factors, associated with rotational type dizziness, easy vomiting in jets, not rhythmed by food. She also reported severe, persistent and progressive physical asthenia, non-selective anorexia and a weight loss of 4 kg in 2 months.
The physical examination found a conscious patient (Glasgow at 15/15), slightly dehydrated. Her blood pressure was 90/60mmHg. She had a temperature of 37˚, a pulse rate at 95 cycles per minute and a capillary blood glucose at 0.70 g/l. She was overweight with a body mass index of 28.7 kg/m2. The rest of the clinical examination was normal.
Biology showed a low 8-hour cortisol level at 5.38 ng/ml (60.2 - 184 ng/ml) and a normal Adreno Cortico Trophic Hormone (ACTH) level at 28 pg/ml. Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) was normal at 1.24 mUI/l (0.27 - 4.4 mIU/l) and prolactinemia was at the lower limit of normal. Kidney function and blood ionogram were normal.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) showed a partially empty sella without tumour process (Figure 1).
Intravenous hydrocortisone combined with parenteral rehydration was initially instituted. The patient also received analgesic treatment. Secondarily, oral hydrocortisone supplementation was prescribed. The patient was advised to lose weight.
The evolution was favourable with a regression of asthenia, correction of the state of hydration and the cessation of headaches. After 6 months, the patient presented a hypo metabolism syndrome which led to thyroid control showing central hypothyroidism with normal TSH and a lowered free Thyroxine 4 (T4). Thyroid hormone replacement therapy improved the symptoms.
The diagnosis of primary empty sella turcica syndrome was made in view of the clinical manifestations (intracranial hypertension, central adrenal insufficiency and hypothyroidism) and the appearance of partially empty sella on MRI, in the absence of intracranial tumour process.
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Figure 1. Image of a partially empty sella turcica (red arrow) in cerebral magnetic resonance imaging.
In the follow up, the patient did not present any complications or others symptoms. The control of cortisol and thyroid hormone levels was normal.
3. Discussion
Empty sella is characterized by an “empty sella space” on MRI or CT scan with a flattened pituitary gland and an elongated stem. Its prevalence depends on the techniques used for detection. In autopsy studies, empty sellas have been found in up to 5.5% to 12% of cases. In imaging, the overall incidence has been estimated at 12% [1]. It can be partial if less than 50% of the sellar space is filled with (CSF), or complete if the CSF fills more than 50% of the space and the thickness of the gland is less than 2 mm [5].
Our patient presented with a partial form of empty sella turcica.
It can be primary if there is no pathological process in the sellar region preceding the pituitary lesion or secondary [1]. This last is more common and is related to various pathological processes in the sellar region [6].
Primary empty sella appear in subjects without a history of pituitary disease. It can be caused by intracranial hypertension and/or sellar diaphragm failure.
Many factors as obesity, sleep apnoea, high blood pressure, pregnancy and labour can increased intermittently intracranial pressure. Intracranial hypertension may also be idiopathic.
The prevalence of primary empty sella is very high in patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension. Pituitary gland hyperplasia during pregnancy and lactation and pituitary involution after menopause may also be involved in the pathogenesis of empty sella syndrome, which explains the significantly higher prevalence of this condition in women [1] [5].
Our observation concerns a young woman with factors associated with an empty sella, namely high blood pressure and overweight. She presented a symptomatology of intracranial hypertension.
Empty sella can manifest by headaches, endocrine dysfunction and visual disturbances due to pressure on neighbouring structures. Most patients present headache. In 20% of patients, it may be accompanied by visual disturbances. In case of intracranial hypertension, papilledema may occur [1]. Visual disturbances can include worsening of visual acuity, blurred vision, diplopia, oculomotor nerve abnormalities and optic neuritis [5]. Women of childbearing age may be affected by menstrual irregularities, galactorrhoea and infertility. Men can develop gynecomastia and sexual disorders [1].
The prevalence of hypopituitarism is variable. In a meta-analysis, hypopituitarism was found in 52%, multiple pituitary hormone deficits were present in 30% and 21% of patients had isolated hormone deficit. Growth hormone and gonadotropin deficiencies were the most common isolated deficiencies [2]. Hyperprolactinemia is present in about 10% of patients. Rarely, empty sella can be associated with pituitary micro adenomas causing acromegaly and Cushing’s disease [1].
Central adrenal insufficiency was the circumstance of discovery of the empty sella turcica in our observation. In the literature, an isolated adrenal insufficiency is rarely indicative of this condition [7] [8]. The prevalence of adrenal insufficiency ranged from 4.3% to 37.5% in the systematic review on the prevalence of hormonal dysregulation during the empty sella syndrome [4]. Another study reports a 1% prevalence of adrenal insufficiency [9]. Thyroid damage that appeared secondarily in our observation is more frequently found than adrenal insufficiency [2] [3].
In all cases of empty sella, hormonal evaluation is recommended. A threshold results or suspicion of isolated or partial insufficiency, needs stimulation tests if clinically relevant for hormone supplementation [1].
On imaging, in the typical presentation, the filling of the CSF is in continuity with the overlying subarachnoid spaces and the residual pituitary gland is flattened against the floor of the enlarged bony sella with a generally decreased pituitary volume [10].
The management of primary empty sella syndrome is based on the treatment of the various symptoms. Hormone deficiencies must be supplemented starting with hydrocortisone before thyroid hormone supplementation. Hyperprolactinemia should be treated with dopaminergic agonists [11]. In patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension, osmotic diuretics or acetazolamide are recommended. Weight loss may be effective in obese and overweight patients, especially if accompanied by sleep apnoea [1].
Supplementation with hydrocortisone and thyroid hormones combined with analgesic treatment has led to a good improvement in the clinical picture.
4. Conclusion
This case report illustrated a primary empty sella turcica syndrome revealed by adrenal insufficiency. This condition is rare. Clinical manifestations are non-specific and frustrated. MRI is used to make the diagnosis. The treatment depends on the observed disorders.