Clinical value of neuroimaging indicators of intracranial hypertension in patients with cerebral venous thrombosis.

PURPOSE: Intracranial hypertension (IH) frequently complicates cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT). Distinct neuroimaging findings are associated with IH, yet their discriminative power, reversibility and factors favoring normalization in prospective CVT patients are unknown. We determined test performance measures of neuroimaging signs in acute CVT patients, their longitudinal change under anticoagulation, association with IH at baseline and with recanalization at follow-up. METHODS: We included 26 consecutive acute CVT patients and 26 healthy controls. Patients were classified as having IH based on CSF pressure > 25 cmH2O and/or papilledema on ophthalmological examination or ocular MRI. We assessed optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD), optic nerve tortuousity, bulbar flattening, lateral and IVth ventricle size, pituitary configuration at baseline and follow-up, and their association with IH and venous recanalization. RESULTS: 46% of CVT patients had IH. ONSD enlargement > 5.8 mm, optic nerve tortuousity and pituitary grade ≥ III had highest sensitivity, ocular bulb flattening and pituitary grade ≥ III highest specificity for IH. Only ONSD reliably discriminated IH at baseline. Recanalization was significantly associated with regressive ONSD and pituitary grade. Other neuroimaging signs tended to regress with recanalization. After treatment, 184.9 ± 44.7 days after diagnosis, bulbar flattening resolved, whereas compared with controls ONSD enlargement (p < 0.001) and partially empty sella (p = 0.017), among other indicators, persisted. CONCLUSION: ONSD and pituitary grading have a high diagnostic value in diagnosing and monitoring CVT-associated IH. Given their limited sensitivity during early CVT and potentially persistent alterations following IH, neuroimaging indicators can neither replace CSF pressure measurement in diagnosing IH, nor determine the duration of anticoagulation.

Pituitary Dysfunction in Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension: An Analysis of 80 Patients.

BACKGROUND: Empty sella is a commonly described imaging entity in patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH). Though menstrual and hormonal disturbances have been associated with IIH, available literature lacks systematic analysis of pituitary hormonal disturbances in IIH. More so, the contribution of empty sella in causing pituitary hormonal abnormalities in patients of IIH has not been described. We carried out this study to systematically assess the pituitary hormonal abnormalities in patients with IIH and its relation to empty sella. METHODS: Eighty treatment naïve patients of IIH were recruited as per a predefined criterion. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain with detailed sella imaging and pituitary hormonal profile were done in all patients. RESULTS: Partial empty sella was seen in 55 patients (68.8%). Hormonal abnormalities were detected in 30 patients (37.5%), reduced cortisol levels in 20%, raised prolactin levels in 13.8%, low thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels in 3.8%, hypogonadism in 1.25%, and elevated levels of gonadotropins were found in 6.25% of participants. Hormonal disturbances were independent and were not associated with the presence of empty sella (p = 0.493). CONCLUSION: Hormonal abnormalities were observed in 37.5% patients with IIH. These abnormalities did not correlate with the presence or absence of empty sella. Pituitary dysfunction appears to be subclinical in IIH and responds to intracranial pressure reduction, not requiring specific hormonal therapies.

A Comprehensive Review of Empty Sella and Empty Sella Syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: Incidental radiographic findings of an empty sella are prevalent in up to 35% of the general population. While empty sella was initially considered clinically insignificant, a subset of patients exhibits endocrine or neuro-ophthalmologic manifestations which are diagnostic of empty sella syndrome (ESS). Recent studies suggest that more patients are affected by ESS than previously recognized, necessitating a deeper understanding of this condition. This comprehensive review describes a practical approach to evaluating and managing ESS. METHODS: Literature review was conducted on etiologies and risk factors associated with primary and secondary empty sella, the radiologic features that differentiate empty sella from other sellar lesions, and the role of clinical history and hormone testing in identifying patients with ESS, as well as treatment modalities. RESULTS: Pituitary function testing for somatotroph, lactotroph, gonadotroph, corticotroph, and thyrotroph abnormalities is necessary when suspecting ESS. While an isolated empty sella finding does not require treatment, ESS may require pharmacologic or surgical interventions to address hormone deficits or intracranial hypertension. Targeted hormone replacement as directed by the endocrinologist should align with guidelines and patient-specific needs. Treatment may involve a multidisciplinary collaboration with neurology, neurosurgery, or ophthalmology to address patient symptoms. CONCLUSION: This review underscores the evolving understanding of ESS, stressing the significance of accurate diagnosis and tailored management to mitigate potential neurologic and endocrine complications in affected individuals.

What should otolaryngologists know about dural venous sinus stenting?

Dural venous sinus stenting is an emerging and exciting area in otolaryngology in collaboration with neurosurgeons and neuroradiologists. The first cases were reported 20 years ago. It is now considered part of the routine treatment of increased intracranial pressure due to transverse sinus stenosis. ENT doctors are the first to see these patients in their clinics, as sinus headaches, pulsating tinnitus, and dizziness are the most common symptoms. Previously, with limited success, high-dose diuretics and intracranial shunts had been the only options for treating these patients. Other methods, such as covering the sigmoid sinuses with graft material, appear to cause a sudden increase in intracranial pressure that can lead to blindness and even death. This overview summarizes the clinical and imaging characteristics of patients who will benefit from endovascular sinus stenting for elevated intracranial pressure.

Impact of rater experience and referral question on detecting magnetic resonance imaging features of idiopathic intracranial hypertension.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: In idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features are promising diagnostic markers, but the impact of rater experience and the specific referral question is unknown. METHODS: From the Vienna Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension database, patients were included with definitive IIH and routine cranial MRI performed during diagnostic work-up. Frequencies of partial empty sella (ES), optic nerve sheath distension (ONSD), optic nerve tortuosity (ONT), posterior globe flattening (PGF) and transverse sinus stenosis (TSS) were compared in three settings: (i) real-world rating, (ii) junior neuroradiologist without special IIH training and (iii) senior neuroradiologist with experience in IIH imaging (gold standard). RESULTS: Magnetic resonance imaging scans of 84 IIH patients (88% female, mean age 33.5 years) were evaluated. By gold standard, ONSD was the most frequent (64.3%) followed by TSS (60.0%), ONT (46.4%), ES (44.4%) and PGF (23.8%). Compared to the gold standard, IIH features were described significantly less frequently in routine MRI reports (ONSD 28.6%, ONT 13.1%, PGF 4.8%, TSS 42.9%, p < 0.01 respectively) except for ES (42.9%, p = 0.9). A specific referral question regarding IIH increased detection rates in routine reports, but rates remained significantly lower than by gold standard. In contrast, a rating by a neuroradiologist without special training produced significantly higher frequencies of ONSD (81.0%, p < 0.01) and ONT (60.7%, p < 0.01) but not of ES (47.6%), PGF (29.8%) and TSS (68.1%). CONCLUSIONS: Idiopathic intracranial hypertension MRI features are underestimated in routine MRI reports and partly overcalled by less experienced neuroradiologists, driven by features less well known or methodologically difficult. Reevaluation of MRI scans by an experienced rater (and to a lesser degree a specific referral question) improves diagnostic accuracy.

Hyponatremia due to adrenal insufficiency after a Mamushi bite: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Mamushi bites are the most common venomous snake bites in Japan, with known complications including rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney injury; however, adrenal insufficiency as a result of snake bites has not been previously reported. We report a case of empty sella with transient adrenal insufficiency during hospitalization for a Mamushi bite. CASE PRESENTATION: An 84-year-old man was admitted to our hospital with a Mamushi bite on the right fifth finger. Serum sodium (Na) level remained in the normal range. On the ninth day of admission, he developed hyponatremia, with a serum Na level of 114 mEq/L and serum cortisol level of 4.0 µg/dL (reference value 4.5-21.1 µg/dL). His serum Na level was restored within the normal range after administration of corticosteroids with 3% NaCl solution. Both rapid adrenocorticotrophin and corticotropin-releasing hormone loading tests showed low cortisol response. Based on the results of the hormone loading tests, a diagnosis of pituitary adrenal insufficiency was made. Contrast-enhanced pituitary magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed primary empty sella. After discontinuation of corticosteroids, the hyponatremia did not recur, and the patient was discharged on the 24th day of hospitalization. After discharge, the patient visited an outpatient clinic, but hyponatremia recurrence was not observed. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first report of hyponatremia due to pituitary adrenal insufficiency during hospitalization for a Mamushi bite in a patient with empty sella. When hyponatremia occurs during hospitalization for a Mamushi bite, cortisol measurement, hormone loading test, and head MRI should be performed to search for pituitary lesions because of the possibility of adrenal insufficiency caused by snake venom.

MRI features of idiopathic intracranial hypertension are not prognostic of visual and headache outcome.

BACKGROUND: In idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH), certain MRI features are promising diagnostic markers, but whether these have prognostic value is currently unknown. METHODS: We included patients from the Vienna-Idiopathic-Intracranial-Hypertension (VIIH) database with IIH according to Friedman criteria and cranial MRI performed at diagnosis. Presence of empty sella (ES), perioptic subarachnoid space distension (POSD) with or without optic nerve tortuosity (ONT), posterior globe flattening (PGF) and transverse sinus stenosis (TSS) was assessed and multivariable regression models regarding visual outcome (persistent visual impairment/visual worsening) and headache outcome (headache improvement/freedom of headache) were fitted. RESULTS: We included 84 IIH patients (88.1% female, mean age 33.5 years, median body mass index 33.7). At baseline, visual impairment was present in 70.2% and headache in 84.5% (54.8% chronic). Persistent visual impairment occurred in 58.3%, visual worsening in 13.1%, headache improvement was achieved in 83.8%, freedom of headache in 26.2%. At least one MRI feature was found in 78.6% and 60.0% had ≥3 features with POSD most frequent (64.3%) followed by TSS (60.0%), ONT (46.4%), ES (44.0%) and PGF (23.8%). In multivariable models, there was no association of any single MRI feature or their number with visual impairment, visual worsening, headache improvement or freedom. Visual impairment at baseline predicted persistent visual impairment (odds ratio 6.3, p<0.001), but not visual worsening. Chronic headache at baseline was significantly associated with lower likelihood of headache freedom (odds ratio 0.48, p=0.013), but not with headache improvement. CONCLUSIONS: MRI features of IIH are neither prognostic of visual nor headache outcome.

Early Pulse Glucocorticoid Therapy and Improved Hormonal Outcomes in Primary Hypophysitis.

INTRODUCTION: The role of glucocorticoids in primary autoimmune hypophysitis (PAH) has been fraught with variability in regimens, leading to inconsistent outcomes in terms of anterior pituitary (AP) hormonal recovery. Hence, we aimed to compare the clinical, hormonal, and radiological outcomes of a standardized high-dose glucocorticoid therapy group (GTG) in PAH with a matched clinical observation group (COG). METHODS: Thirty-nine retrospective patients with PAH evaluated and treated at a single center in western India from 1999 to 2019 with a median follow-up duration of 48 months were subdivided into the GTG (n = 18) and COG (n = 21) and compared for the outcomes. RESULTS: Baseline demographic, hormonal, and radiological features matched between the groups, except pituitary height, which was significantly higher in GTG. Cortisol, thyroid, and gonadal axes were affected in 25 (64%), 22 (56%), and 21 (54%) patients, respectively, and central diabetes insipidus was seen in 7 (18%) patients. Panhypophysitis (PH) was the most common radiological subtype (n = 33, 84.6%). Resolution of mass effects was similar in both groups. Overall and complete AP hormonal recovery was significantly higher in the GTG than in the COG (12/14 [85.7%) vs. 6/14 [42.8%], p = 0.02; 10/14 [71.4%] vs. 1/14 [7.7%], p = 0.0007, respectively). Proportion of cases with empty sella were significantly higher in the COG (9/20 [45%] vs 1/17 [5.9%], p = 0.001). Among PH patients in the GTG (n = 17), we found duration from symptoms onset to treatment as the predictor of recovery. CONCLUSION: In a PH subtype-predominant PAH cohort, a standardized high-dose glucocorticoid regimen resulted in higher overall and complete AP hormonal recovery than that in the COG. Initiation of glucocorticoids in the early disease course may have been contributory.

Intracranial hypertension and empty Sella from adrenal adenoma and excessive and prolonged steroid usage: a case report.

BACKGROUND: There is only one documented case of intracranial hypertension (IH) and empty sella from cortisol-producing adrenal adenoma so far. And IH and empty sella caused by long-term exogenous hypercortisolism has never been reported before. The purpose of this case report is to alert clinicians to glucocorticoid-induced IH. CASE PRESENTATION: We present retrospectively a 50-year-old woman with cortisol-secreting adrenal adenoma, who progressed to intractable intracranial hypertension and a markedly expanded empty sella due to improper treatment. In 2011, the patient presented with hypertension, lack of cortisol circadian rhythm, low ACTH, a left adrenal adenoma and a partial empty sella, but did not receive low-dose dexamethasone suppression test (LDDST) and 24-h urinary cortisol. In 2014, she exhibited truncal obesity, raised cortisol, LDDST non-suppression, high urinary free cortisol and low ACTH, proving her cortisol-producing adrenal adenoma. She was simultaneously diagnosed with unexplained IH because of papilledema and elevated intracranial pressure, and her partial empty sella changed to a complete empty sella. In 2015, she underwent adrenal adenoma resection. From 2015 to 2018, she kept taking dexamethasone at least 2 mg daily without her doctors' consent. During this period, she developed transient cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea, and her empty sella further worsened. After switching to low dose hydrocortisone, her papilledema disappeared completely, but optic atrophy has become irreversible. CONCLUSIONS: The patient seems to be just an extreme case, but it may reveal and illustrate a general phenomenon: Both cortisol-producing adrenal adenoma and long-term exogenous hypercortisolism could cause varying degrees of elevated intracranial pressure and empty sella. Clinicians should remain vigilant for this phenomenon in patients with cortisol-producing adrenal adenoma or excessive and prolonged steroid usage and give them corresponding examinations to identify this complication.

MR findings suggestive of idiopathic intracranial hypertension in 117 patients with spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to document the prevalence of MR findings suggestive of idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) in patients undergoing endoscopic repair of spontaneous CSF rhinorrhea (SCSFR). METHODS: In a retrospective study, MR images of 117 consecutive patients who had undergone endoscopic repair of SCSFR were evaluated for features suggestive of IIH (empty sella, widened optic nerve sheath, tortuous optic nerve, flattened posterior globe, and enlarged Meckel's cave). Pituitary height was used to diagnose partial and complete empty sella. MR images were independently evaluated by two of the authors without knowledge of the clinical findings. Consensus method was used to resolve differences between the two evaluators. RESULTS: Empty or partially empty sella was diagnosed in the MR of 105 (89.7%) patients. In 38/105 (36.2%) patients with empty/partial empty sella, no additional MR findings were present. In 43/105 (41%) patients, one or more of the MR features with high specificity for diagnosis of IIH (flattened posterior globe and enlarged Meckel's cave) were seen. In the other 24 (22.9%) additional MR findings, less specific for IIH (widened optic nerve sheath, tortuous optic nerve) were noted. Papilledema was seen in 11 of 60 (18.3%) patients who underwent funduscopic examination. All patients with papilledema had empty/partial empty sella, and 9/11 (81.8%) had an additional MR finding suggestive of IIH. CONCLUSION: The majority of patients with SCSFR have MR imaging features of IIH. These imaging features should be a major component of previously published modified diagnostic criteria for IIH in patients with SCSFR.

MRI findings differentiating tonsillar herniation caused by idiopathic intracranial hypertension from Chiari I malformation.

PURPOSE: Some patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) have cerebellar tonsillar herniation ≥ 5 mm mimicking Chiari malformation I (CMI), which can result in misdiagnosis and unjustified treatment. Our purpose was to identify IIH patients with tonsillar herniation ≥ 5 mm (IIHTH) and compare with CMI patients to assess imaging findings that could distinguish the two conditions. METHODS: Ninety-eight patients with IIH, 81 patients with CMI, and 99 controls were retrospectively assessed. Two neuroradiologists blindly reviewed MR images. IIHTH patients were compared with CMI patients and controls regarding the extent of tonsillar herniation (ETH), bilateral transverse sinus stenosis (BTSS), hypophysis-sella ratio (HSR), and bilateral tortuosity of optic nerve (BTON). RESULTS: 13/98 (13.2%) IIH patients had tonsillar herniation ≥ 5 mm (IIHTH) and were significantly younger and had higher BMI compared with CMI patients and controls. ETH was significantly less in the IIHTH than CMI (6.5 ± 2.4 mm vs. 10.9 ± 4.4 mm; p < 0.001). BTSS and HSR < 0.5 were more common in IIHTH than CMI (p < 0.001 and p = 0.003, respectively). No differences were seen between CMI and controls. BTON was significantly more common in IIHTH compared to control (p = 0.01) but not to the CMI (p = 0.36). Sensitivity and specificity to differentiate IIHTH from CMI were 69.2% and 96.1% for BTSS and 69.2% and 75.3% for HSR < 0.5. CONCLUSION: The presence of BTSS and/or HSR < 0.5 in patients with ETH ≥ 5 mm should suggest further evaluation to exclude IIH before considering CMI surgery.

A young man with secondary adrenal insufficiency due to empty sella syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Empty sella syndrome is characterized by a constellation of symptoms that encompass various systems, and includes endocrine, neurologic, ophthalmologic, and psychiatric presentations. We here report a case of a young man presenting with severe hyponatremia due to empty sella syndrome and focus on changes in electrolytes during corticosteroid supplementation. CASE REPORT: A 36-year-old man presented with general weakness, poor appetite, and dizziness for 4 days. Physical assessment revealed lower limbs nonpitting oedema. Pertinent laboratory data showed severe hyponatremia (sodium 108 mmol/L). Endocrine work-up revealed low cortisol levels at 1.17 µg/dL (reference: 4.82-19.5 µg/dL) and inappropriately normal adrenocorticotropic hormone levels at 12.4 pg/mL (reference: 0.1-46.0 pg/mL), indicating secondary adrenal insufficiency. Brain magnetic resonance imaging confirmed the diagnosis of empty sella syndrome. He developed delirium and agitation one day after cortisol supplementation with a sodium correction rate of 10 mmol/L/day, while hypokalaemia (potassium 3.4 mmol/L) also developed. The symptoms improved after lowering the serum sodium level. This patient was eventually discharged after 12 days of hospitalization when the serum sodium and potassium levels were 139 mmol/L and 3.5 mmol/L, respectively. CONCLUSION: Herein, we address the importance of timely diagnosis of empty sella syndrome in patients with hyponatremia and highlight the close monitoring of the changes in electrolytes during corticosteroid replacement.

EMPTY SELLA IN A PATIENT WITH CLINICAL AND BIOCHEMICAL DIAGNOSIS OF ACROMEGALY.

Background: Acromegaly is an acquired disorder related to excessive production of growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1). Empty sella (ES) is an anatomical condition of sella turcica that is partially or completely filled with cerebrospinal fluid mainly due to intrasellar herniation of subarachnoid space. Here, we describe a patient who presented with clinical and biochemical features of acromegaly and who had an ES on pituitary magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Case report: A 73-year-old male patient was consulted in our clinic because of the acromegalic phenotype while planning for colorectal adenocarcinoma surgery. The patient noticed gradual enlarging of his hands, feet and nose for 30 years, but never consulted to any clinician for this reason. Serum GH was 20.6 ng/mL (normal <3 ng/mL) and IGF-1 was 531 ng/mL (normal, 69-200 ng/ml). An oral glucose tolerance test showed no suppression of GH values. T1-weighted MRI revealed an ES. 18F-FDG PET/CT and Ga-DOTATADE PET/CT did not show any finding consistent with ectopic GH secretion. Growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH) was within the normal range (<100mg/dL). He was treated with long-acting octreotide 20 mg per 28 days. At the 6th month of treatment, serum GH and IGF-1 levels were decreased to 5.45 ng/mL and 274 ng/mL, respectively. Conclusion: The mechanism underlying the association of acromegaly and ES remains unclear. Apoplexy on existing pituitary adenoma and then formation of necrosis can proceed to ES. Since our patient did not have a history of pituitary apoplexy and we could not find any reason for secondary ES, we considered primary ES.

Chiasmapexy for secondary empty sella syndrome: diagnostic and therapeutic considerations.

PURPOSE: Secondary empty sella syndrome (SESS) following pituitary surgery remains a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. The aim of this study was to specify the diagnostic criteria, surgical indications and results of chiasmapexy in the SESS. METHODS: Three cases from two experienced neurosurgical centers were collected and the available literature was reviewed. RESULTS: The 3 patients were operated for a giant non-functioning pituitary adenoma, a cystic macroprolactinoma, and an arachnoid cyst respectively. Postoperative visual outcome was initially improved, and then worsened progressively. At the time of SESS diagnosis, visual field defect was severe in all cases with optic nerve (ON) atrophy in 2 cases. Patients were operated via an endoscopic endonasal extradural approach. One patient was re-operated because of early fat reabsorption. Visual outcome improved in 1 case and stabilized in 2 cases. Statistical analyses performed on 24 cases from the literature review highlighted that patient age and severity of the preoperative visual defect were respectively significant and nearly significant prognostic factors for visual outcome, unlike the surgical technique. CONCLUSION: T2-weighted or CISS/FIESTA sequence MRI is mandatory to visualize adhesions, ON kinking and neurovascular conflict. TS approach is the most commonly used approach. The literature review could not conclude on the need for an intra or extradural approach suggesting case by case adapted strategy. Intrasellar packing with non-absorbable material such as bone should be considered. Severity of the visual loss clearly decreases the visual outcome suggesting early chiasmapexy. In case of severe and long standing symptoms before surgery, benefits and surgical risks should be carefully balanced.

Non-communicating hydrocephalus with a primary empty sella presenting with growth hormone deficiency and delayed puberty successfully treated by endoscopic third ventriculocisternostomy.

The authors present the unusual case of a 15-year-old boy with a primary empty sella caused by non-communicating hydrocephalus due to fourth ventricle outflow obstruction whose secondary symptoms of growth hormone deficiency and delayed puberty were successfully treated by endoscopic third ventriculocisternostomy (ETV). Hypopituitarism occurs only rarely in cases of hydrocephalus; rarer still are cases where hypopituitarism is the sole symptom of hydrocephalus. A primary empty sella may indicate elevated intracranial pressure; if the cause is non-communicating hydrocephalus, ETV is indicated as the preferred treatment modality.

Empty Sella Syndrome Associated with Growth Hormone Deficiency: the First Case Report of Weiss-Kruszka Syndrome.

Weiss-Kruszka syndrome (WSKA), caused by heterozygous loss-of-function variants in ZNF462 gene, is a recently described and extremely rare genetic disorder. The main phenotypes include characteristic craniofacial features, ptosis, dysgenesis of the corpus callosum, and neurodevelopmental impairment. We report the first Korean boy with molecularly confirmed WSKA presenting with an atypical manifestation. A 16-year-old boy with a history of bilateral ptosis surgery presented with short stature (-3.49 standard deviation score) and delayed puberty. The patient showed characteristic craniofacial features including an inverted triangular-shaped head, exaggerated Cupid's bow, arched eyebrows, down-slanting palpebral fissures, and poorly expressive face. He had a mild degree of intellectual disability and mild hypotonia. Endocrine studies in the patient demonstrated complete growth hormone deficiency (GHD) associated with empty sella syndrome (ESS), based on a magnetic resonance imaging study for the brain that showed a flattened pituitary gland and cerebrospinal fluid space herniated into the sella turcica. To identify the genetic cause, we performed whole exome sequencing (WES). Through WES, a novel de novo heterozygous nonsense variant, c.4185del; p.(Met1396Ter) in ZNF462 was identified. This is the first case of WSKA accompanied by primary ESS associated with GHD. More clinical and functional studies are needed to elucidate this association.

SPONTANEOUS RESOLUTION OF A NONFUNCTIONING PITUITARY ADENOMA OVER ONE-MONTH PERIOD: A CASE REPORT.

Spontaneous resolution of nonfunctioning pituitary adenoma after hemorrhagic apoplexy is a rare clinical entity of unknown etiology and is defined as disappearance of a tumor without any specific treatment. Here we present a 54-year-old male patient who presented with acute onset of severe headache, vomiting, photophobia, and sonophobia. He was referred to brain computed tomography, which showed a 16x12x16 mm tumor mass located in the sellar region with signs of hemorrhage. Endocrinologic evaluation was consistent with under-function of pituitary gonadotropic cells. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) performed ten days later was consistent with hemorrhagic apoplexy of the pituitary adenoma. The patient's symptoms resolved after conservative treatment with dexamethasone, but he was scheduled for elective pituitary surgery. Preoperative MRI was performed one month after the first one and disclosed normal pituitary gland without any signs of adenoma. Our case is remarkable due to the fact that spontaneous remission of pituitary adenoma occurred within the first month, which is the shortest interval reported to date. Our case highlights the importance of conservative therapy as the first-line treatment for pituitary apoplexy in the absence of neurological impairment, since spontaneous remission may occur in a short time interval.

Primary Empty Sella.

Primary empty sella (PES) syndrome is a misnomer as it is not a syndrome but a radiological finding with possible endocrine abnormalities. No specific headache type has been shown to be caused by PES. Endocrine screening may be considered for asymptomatic persons with PES.

Clinical presentation, evaluation and case management of primary empty sella syndrome: a retrospective analysis of 10-year single-center patient data.

BACKGROUND: Primary Empty Sella (PES) syndrome is an increasingly common disorder, mostly diagnosed as an incidental finding during brain imaging scans. We intended to review the clinical management and hormonal profile of patients with PES. METHODS: The study included ten-year retrospective analysis of registry containing PES cases in the period 2007 to 2017, from a single tertiary care center. The keyword 'primary empty sella' was used to retrieve patient details from the radiology unit. The clinical and biochemical profile of PES patients was analyzed. Case management of PES patients and their rate of referral to endocrinologists was explored. RESULTS: The registry had 765 cases with a male: female ratio of 1:3.8 suggesting female predominance by almost four times. Although not significant, the onset of disease was earlier for males [Mean ± standard deviation (SD) (46.7 years ±17.3 vs 48.8 years±14.1), p = 0.110]. Almost 79% of the cases were found as an incidental finding during Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Of the total PES cases, only 20% were referred to the endocrinologists and the rest were handled by general physicians. Only 1-2.5% of the cases were evaluated for gonadal, growth and adrenal hormones by the general physicians. The hormonal evaluation by the endocrinologists was also found to be sub-optimal. Headache and visual disturbances were the most common presenting complaints followed by menstrual abnormalities. Endocrine abnormalities like thyroid dysfunction, hyperprolactinemia, hypogonadism and hypocortisolism were highly prevalent among those assessed. CONCLUSION: There is a gross under-evaluation of hormonal assessment and minimal case-referral to Endocrinologists. PES is associated with varying degrees of hormonal dysfunction, and hence early assessment and management is needed. Establishing a standard protocol for diagnosis and case management is essential with the involvement of a multidisciplinary team consisting of endocrinologists, neurologists, primary care phys icians and ophthalmologists.

Growth hormone deficiency with late-onset hypothalamic hypoadrenocorticism associated with respiratory and renal dysfunction: a case report.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of childhood-onset growth hormone (GH) deficiency (GHD) is estimated to be approximately 1 in 5000 or more, with the cause unknown in most cases (idiopathic isolated GHD). However, additional disorders of secretion of other pituitary hormones reportedly develop over time, with a frequency of 2-94% (median, 16%). Furthermore, median times to development of other anterior pituitary hormone deficiencies have been reported to be 6.4-9.4 years. On the other hand, adult patients affected by childhood-onset GHD reportedly develop impaired ventilation function due to reduced lung volumes and respiratory pressures, probably due to reductions in respiratory muscle strength. In addition, GH is known to play a role in stimulating the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), and the estimated GFR (eGFR) is decreased in patients with GHD. CASE PRESENTATION: This case involved a 65-year-old woman. Her short stature had been identified at around 3 years of age, but no effective treatments had been provided. The patient was mostly amenorrheic, and hair loss became apparent in her late 30s. She developed hyperuricemia, dyslipidemia, and hypertension at 45 years of age. In addition, the patient was diagnosed with hypothyroidism at 50 years of age. At 58 years of age, endocrinological examination showed impaired secretion of thyroid-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone/follicle-stimulating hormone, and growth hormone, and magnetic resonance imaging showed an empty sella turcica. However, secretion ability of adrenocorticotropic hormone was retained. At 63 years of age, respiratory function tests confirmed a markedly restricted ventilation disorder (vital capacity, 0.54 L; percentage predicted vital capacity, 26.9%). Renal function had also decreased (eGFR, 25.0 mL/min/1.73 m2). Furthermore, she was diagnosed with hypothalamic secondary hypoadrenocorticism. The patient developed CO2 narcosis at 65 years of age, and noninvasive positive pressure ventilation was started. CONCLUSIONS: The rare case of a 65-year-old woman with childhood-onset GHD with panhypopituitarism, including late-onset secondary hypoadrenocorticism in her 60s, associated with severely impaired respiratory function and renal dysfunction, was reported. In GHD patients with risk factors for progression from isolated GHD to combined pituitary hormone deficiency, such as empty sella turcica, lifelong endocrinological monitoring may be important.