Empty Sella Turcica Syndrome: About a Case Revealed by Adrenal Insufficiency

Abstract

Background: Empty sella turcica corresponds to an arachnocele which may be complete or partial, primary or secondary. The primary form is rarer. Its cause is unknown, but etiological factors have been identified. The prevalence of this condition is variable, depending on techniques of diagnosis. It may be detected fortuitously on imaging or in the presence of neurological, ocular or endocrine manifestations. Aim: We aim to report a case of empty sella turcica syndrome revealed by adrenal insufficiency in a young African black woman. Case presentation: It was an overweight young woman with signs of intracranial hypertension associated with central adrenal insufficiency. The diagnosis of empty sella was confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging. Secondarily, she developed a hypo metabolism syndrome and biology confirmed central hypothyroidism. After correction of the adrenal cortical deficit, the treatment of the thyroid deficit was administered. Evolution was favourable clinically and biologically. Conclusion: The empty sella turcica is rare and its revelation by a central adrenal insufficiency is even more. The case we report is a perfect illustration.