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Horm Metab Res 1989; 21(10): 573-576
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-1009290
Clinical

© Georg Thieme Verlag, Stuttgart · New York

Results of Dynamic Endocrine Testing of Hypothalamic Pituitary Function in Patients with a Primary “Empty” Sella Syndrome

M. Buchfelder, S. Brockmeier, J. Pichl1 , U. Schrell, R. Fahlbusch
  • Neurochirurgische Klinik mit Poliklinik der Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
  • 1Medizinische Klinik der Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
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Publication History

1988

1989

Publication Date:
14 March 2008 (online)

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Summary

A total of 52 patients (38 women, 14 men) with a primary “empty” sella syndrome underwent dynamic endocrine testing consisting of insulin-induced hypoglycaemia and a combined anterior pituitary stimulation test utilizing GnRH and TRH. The diagnosis of an “empty” sella turcica was made on the basis of thin collimation CT reconstructions and in addition either metrizamide cisternography or magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. Only 16 of the patients presented with endocrine problems. Hyper-prolactinaemia was the most common endocrine disturbance detected, and was found in 17 individuals. Panhypopituitarism was found in 3 patients. Nine other patients had some degree of partial pituitary insufficiency, but only two of them required replacement therapy. However, 31 patients had no evidence of endocrine dysfunction.

Key-Words

Cisternal Herniation - Dynamic Endocrine Testing - Empty Sella Syndrome - Pituitary Function