In empty sella syndrome, the sella turcica (the bony structure at the base of the brain that houses the pituitary gland) enlarges, but the pituitary remains normal-sized or shrinks.

People with empty sella syndrome have a defect in the tissue barrier that normally keeps the cerebrospinal fluid around the brain separate from the sella turcica. As a result, cerebrospinal fluid puts increased pressure on the pituitary gland and the walls of the sella turcica. The sella turcica may enlarge, and the pituitary gland may shrink.

Empty sella syndrome occurs most often in middle-aged women who are overweight and who have high blood pressure. Less commonly, the condition occurs after pituitary surgery, radiation therapy, or infarction (death) of a pituitary tumor.

The empty sella syndrome may cause no symptoms at all and seldom causes serious symptoms. About half of those affected have headaches, and some people have high blood pressure as well. In rare cases, there is leaking of the cerebrospinal fluid from the nose or problems with vision.

The empty sella syndrome can be diagnosed by computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Pituitary function is checked to rule out hormone excess or deficiency, but it is almost always normal.

Treatment is indicated only for overproduction or underproduction of pituitary hormones and is seldom needed.

Last full review/revision February 2007 by Ian M. Chapman, MBBS, PhD