Galactorrhea, amenorrhea, hyperprolactinemia, and an empty sella

Obstet Gynecol. 1978 Jul;52(1 Suppl):23S-27S.

Abstract

Increased serum prolactin (hPRL) and increased volume of the sella turcica as detected by roentgenography are compatible with a pituitary adenoma. The empty sella syndrome can increase sella volume, but is usually associated with minimal, if any, endocrine dysfunction. The present case details a young woman with amenorrhea, galactorrhea, elevated serum hPRL, and roentgenographic evidence of an enlarged sella turcica. Pneumoencephalography with hypocycloidal polytomography is interpreted as both an empty sella, and evidence of a pituitary adenoma. The etiology and endocrine findings in the empty sella syndrome are discussed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adenoma / complications
  • Adult
  • Amenorrhea / complications*
  • Empty Sella Syndrome / complications*
  • Empty Sella Syndrome / diagnostic imaging
  • Female
  • Galactorrhea / complications*
  • Humans
  • Lactation Disorders / complications*
  • Pituitary Neoplasms / complications
  • Pneumoencephalography
  • Pregnancy
  • Prolactin / blood*
  • Tomography, X-Ray

Substances

  • Prolactin