Study of prevalence of endocrine abnormalities in primary empty sella

Empty sella is usually an incidental finding. Empty sella is an anatomical condition characterized by the presence of cerebrospinal fluid within the sella with a small pituitary gland compressed above the pituitary floor causing endocrine abnormalities. The aim of this study is to evaluate hormonal abnormalities associated with empty sella in tertiary care center. This ongoing study was carried out in patients attending to endocrine out-patient departments from August 2012 to July 2013. A detailed history and examination was done. Hormonal evaluation including free thyroid hormones, thyroid stimulating hormone, growth hormone (GH), follicular stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, cortisol and prolactin was done. A total of 16 patients diagnosed clinically and biochemically of hormonal abnormalities were found to have empty sella on magnetic resonance imaging. Hypocortisolemia in 62.5% of cases, hypothyroidism in 50% of cases, in 18.75% hypogonadism, hyper prolactinemia in 18.7.5%, GH deficiency in 12.5% of cases and in 12.5% cases posterior pituitary involvement is seen. The high incidence of endocrine abnormalities associated with empty sella necessitates the need for prompt evaluation and early replacement of hormones for better quality-of-life.