Hypotrophy of the pituitary gland or the syndrome of the empty Turkish saddle
The pituitary gland is a small oval-shaped process located on the lower surface of the brain. Almost from all sides it is surrounded by a bone formation, called the Turkish saddle.
The main function of this gland is the production of hormones that regulate metabolism, growth, reproduction. Hypotrophy of the pituitary is due to the underdevelopment of its tissue and is otherwise called the syndrome of an empty Turkish saddle.
What can be associated with pituitary hypotrophy
The main causes leading to pituitary hypotrophy are:
- congenital pathology that leads to squeezing this gland by surrounding brain tissue,
- increased intracranial pressure,
- menopause after frequent pregnancies ending with abortions,
- ischemic necrosispituitary gland( Simmonds syndrome) associated with massive bleeding during labor,
- autoimmune processes,
- surgery or radiotherapy of this areaOzga.
It is interesting that in pregnancy, the pituitary gland increases significantly in size, not always returning to the initial state after childbirth. Therefore, during an age involution, its significant decrease may occur.
The main manifestations of the syndrome of the empty Turkish saddle
Very often, hypotrophy of the pituitary gland can be asymptomatic and can be detected as an accidental finding with MRI of the brain. Due to the fact that this gland produces various hormones, the manifestations of the disease will also be associated with insufficient release into the blood. In addition, there may be neurological and visual disturbances due to the proximity of the optic nerves.
Endocrine disorders with pituitary hypotrophy are manifested: weakness, hypotension, weight loss( ACTH-adrenocorticotropic hormone),
Visual disorders include:
- double vision,
- visual acuity reduction,
- prolapse of vision fields,
- lacrimation and pain.
Among the neurological disorders are:
- headache( the most common symptom),
- blood pressure fluctuations and heart pain,
- panic attacks with a feeling of lack of air,
- hyperthermia( fever),
- fainting condition.
Methods for treatment of pituitary hypotrophy
Typically, treatment for empty Turkish saddle syndrome is aimed at eliminating the manifestations:
- hormone replacement therapy with established hormone production deficiency,
- reduction in intracranial pressure as it increases,
- eliminating neurologic symptoms and visual impairment.
Very rarely( less than 2% of cases) resort to a surgical method of treatment. During the operation, a fixation of the visual crossover and filling of the Turkish saddle with an implant are performed through the nose.
Preventive measures to prevent hypotrophy of the pituitary gland are aimed at preventing injuries, inflammatory and oncological diseases of the brain, as well as improving the blood supply of this gland.