Pituitary Apoplexy and Empty Sella

Pituitary apoplexy (PA) is currently considered as one of the causes of empty sella (ES). However, in most reported cases the diagnosis of PA was based on anamnesis. A prospective study of three patients diagnosed during the PA episode was carried out. Periodical evaluations of hormone concentrations and cerebral computed tomography images were carried out. Initially, the three patients had a global anterior pituitary developed ES within 6 and 18 months. Surgical therapy was not undertaken in any case. Owing to the rarity of the disease definitive conclusions are difficult to obtain; however, the present study suggests that after an episode of PA global anterior pituitary failure develops, with subsequent ES. Early medical therapy with glucocorticoids can avoid surgical therapy.