Empty sella syndrome is a rare disorder characterized by
enlargement or malformation of a structure in the head known as
the sella turcica. The sella turcica is a saddle-shaped
depression located in the bone at the base of skull (sphenoid
bone), in which resides the pituitary gland. In empty sella
syndrome, the malformed sella turcica is often either partially
or completely filled with cerebrospinal fluid. As a result, the
pituitary gland is often compressed and flattened so that the
sella turcica appears empty. Most individuals with empty sella
syndrome do not have any associated symptoms. Occasionally,
headaches or pituitary dysfunction may occur. Empty sella
syndrome may occur as a primary disorder, for which the cause is
unknown (idiopathic), or as a secondary disorder, in which it
occurs due to an underlying condition or disorder such as a
pituitary tumor or trauma in the pituitary region.