Empty Sella Syndrome

Overview

4.7 out of 5 (6 Reviews)

Credits

1.00

Post Assessment Questions

5

Start Date

1 Jan 2021

Last Review Date

26 Oct 2023

Expiration Date

31 Dec 2023

Estimated Time To Finish

60 Minutes

Start This Activity
 
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Activity Description

Empty sella syndrome (ESS), also known as arachnoidocele, is a radiologic finding in which the sella turcica appears empty due to cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) within the subarachnoid space herniating into the sella turcica. Subsequently, the pituitary gland contained in the sella turcica is compressed and flattened, and the pituitary stalk is stretched by the CSF, which fills the space. Over the years, radiologists noticed a similar phenomenon in CT and MRI brain imaging, further refining the term empty sella. ESS is the condition associated with this finding that may present with symptoms including headache and visual changes. ESS is commonly classified into 2 etiologic categories: primary empty sella (PES), which has no identified underlying cause, and secondary empty sella (SES), which has an identifiable etiology (eg, cerebral trauma and postpartum pituitary necrosis). ESS can be further subdivided into complete and partial types, with the latter referring to the sella turcica being less than 50% filled with CSF and the former being more than 50% filled with CSF.

Due to advances in radiologic technology, the incidence of empty sella has recently increased. Although empty sella has historically been considered an incidental finding without clinical significance, recent evidence suggests that patients may have associated symptoms, otherwise known as ESS, more frequently than previously believed. Consequently, most experts recommend a thorough evaluation in all patients initially found to have empty sella; reevaluation in asymptomatic patients may be reasonable also. Symptomatic patients with ESS should be managed supportively; the type of treatment indicated can vary from pharmacologic (eg, growth hormone replacement) to surgical (eg, lumbar peritoneal shunt) therapies. Because this condition is being identified more frequently and may be associated with more symptoms than previously believed, clinicians should be familiar with this finding and the variety of potential presentations. This activity will enhance the healthcare professional's competence in diagnosing and managing empty sella syndrome and highlight the critical need for collaboration among multidisciplinary team members such as ophthalmology, neurology, and endocrinology clinicians to improve patient outcomes. 


Target Audience

This activity has been designed to meet the educational needs of physicians.

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this activity, the learner will be better able to:

  • Differentiate between primary and secondary empty sella syndrome and recognize underlying causes.

  • Identify the clinical signs and symptoms of empty sella syndrome to facilitate early diagnosis and intervention.

  • Select appropriate imaging modalities to confirm and evaluate Empty Sella Syndrome.

  • Coordinate long-term follow-up and treatment adjustments for patients with this condition.

Disclosures

The Campbell University Jerry M. Wallace School of Osteopathic Medicine (CUSOM) requires instructors, planners, managers, and other individuals who are in a position to control the content of this activity to disclose any real or apparent conflict of interest they or their immediate family may have as related to the content of this activity. All identified conflicts of interest are thoroughly vetted by CUSOM for resolution, to ensure fair balance, scientific objectivity of studies mentioned in the materials or used as the basis for content, and appropriateness of patient care recommendations.

CUSOM will identify, review, and resolve all conflicts of interest that faculty, authors, activity directors, planners, managers, peer reviewers, or relevant staff disclose prior to an educational activity being delivered to learners. Disclosure of a relationship is not intended to suggest or condone bias in any presentation but is made to provide participants with information that might be of potential importance to their evaluation of a presentation. Disclosure information for authors, editors, planners, peer reviewers, and/or relevant staff is provided with this activity.

Continuing Education Accreditation Information

 

 

The Campbell University Jerry M. Wallace School of Osteopathic Medicine (CUSOM) is accredited by the American Osteopathic Association to provide osteopathic continuing medical education for physicians. CUSOM designates this enduring material for a maximum of 1.00 AOA Category 1 B Credits and will report CME credits commensurate with the extent of the physician's participation in the activity.

Cancellation Policy: Cancellations must be received in writing and a money back guarantee is provided if not completely satisfied.

  • StatPearls and CUSOM reserve the right to cancel any course due to unforeseen circumstances. StatPearls and CUSOM will not be responsible for other expenses incurred by the participant in the unlikely event that the program is canceled.

Equal Opportunity

  • StatPearls and CUSOM are Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action / Equal Access Institutions. 

Medium or Media Used:

  • Computer Requirements:  Internet Access
  • E-mail Address

Instructions for Credit

  1. Register for the activity and create a StatPearls login.     
  2. Review the required accreditation information:  Target audience, learning objectives and disclosure information.
  3. Complete the entire self-study activity.
  4. Complete the post-test assessments.
  5. Successfully pass the post-test with a minimum score of 100%.
  6. Complete the evaluation form.
  7. Obtain a certificate.

StatPearls and CUSOM adheres to AOA Standards regarding commercial support of continuing medical education. It is the policy of StatPearls and Campbell that the faculty and planning committee disclose real or apparent conflicts of interest relating to the topics of this educational activity, that relevant conflict(s) of interest are resolved and also that authors and editors will disclose any unlabeled/unapproved use of drug(s) or device(s) during their presentation. Detailed disclosure will be made prior to starting the activity.

The information provided at this CME/CE activity is for continuing education purposes only and is not meant to substitute for the independent medical/clinical judgment of a healthcare provider relative to diagnostic and treatment options of a specific patient’s medical condition.

This course is intended for osteopathic physicians who wish to earn AOA CME credit. Take this version of the course to ensure you receive appropriate credit.

 

 
 

Reviews

Bibhu Prasad N. on 1/30/2022

Nancy R. on 3/1/2023

Przemyslaw L. on 3/20/2023

adeel s. on 3/24/2023

Lewis B. on 10/2/2023

LEILANY I. on 3/31/2024

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