EMPTY SELLA SYNDROME IN CHILDREN: THE IMPORTANCE OF EARLY DIAGNOSIS AND PROPER NEUROENDOCRINE ASSESSMENT

Amer O. Al Ali*, Shemah M. Hakami, Mohammed A. Soied, Basel A. Hadad Omar E. Masmalii, Adil Alsumm, Mohammed Q. Masmali, Hassan M. Gohal, Fahd Y. Somili and Nasir Al Jurayyan

ABSTRACT

Empty Sella Syndrome has been rarely reported in children and commonly detected on radiological imaging as a herniation of the subarachnoid space through the diaphragm sella with compression of the pituitary gland. In this communication, we present an eight years old boy with short stature who proved to have an Empty Sella on Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain. He revealed hypopituitarism (Growth Hormone deficiency and central adrenal insufficiency without Diabetes insipidus on neuroendocrine assessment of the hypothalamic pituitary function. Such information is crucial before initiating Growth Hormone therapy, to avoid the major consequence of adrenal crises. This issue is highlighted.

Keywords: Children, Empty Sella, Panhypopitutrism, Syndrome.