Diagnostic dilemmas in a patient with anaemia. Empty sella syndrome - a case report

Abstract

Empty sella syndrome is defined as a group of clinical symptoms developing as a result of herniation of the subarachnoid space within the sella, which is often associated with some degree of flattening of the pituitary gland. It is usually recognized incidentally during brain imaging studies performed for different indications, and in most cases this condition is asymptomatic. However, it may result in impairment of various endocrine glands, for which the pituitary gland produces its crinins. Despite the high incidence of empty sella syndrome (up to about 5% of the population) it is commonly ignored as the cause of various symptoms. We present a case of 55-year-old patient admitted to the department of internal medicine due to anaemia and progressive weakness, with recognized hypothyroidism and adrenal gland insufficiency in the course of empty sella syndrome. (Pol J Endocrinol 2010; 61 (4): 400-403)