Shrinkage or deformation of pituitary gland.Encyclopedia Entry for Empty Sella Syndrome :Empty sella syndrome. The pituitary gland is a small gland located just underneath the brain. It is attached to the bottom of the brain by the pituitary stalk. The pituitary sits in a saddle-like compartment in the skull called the sella turcica. In Latin, it means Turkish seat. When the pituitary gland shrinks or becomes flattened, it cannot be seen on an MRI scan. This makes the area of the pituitary gland look like an 'empty sella.' But the sella is not actually empty. It is often filled with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). CSF is fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. With empty sella syndrome, CSF has leaked into the sella turcica, putting pressure on the pituitary gland. This causes the gland to shrink or flatten. Primary empty sella syndrome occurs when one of the layers (arachnoid) covering the outside of the brain bulges down into the sella and presses on the pituitary. Secondary empty sella syndrome occurs when the sella is empty because the pituitary gland has been damaged by: A tumor Radiation therapy Surgery Empty sella syndrome may be seen in a condition called pseudotumor cerebri , which mainly affects young, obese women and causes the CSF to be under higher pressure. The pituitary gland makes several hormones that control other glands in the body, including the: Adrenal glands Ovaries Testicles Thyroid A problem with the pituitary gland can lead to problems with any of the above glands and abnormal hormone levels of these glands.Often, there are no symptoms or loss of pituitary function. If there are symptoms, they may include any of the following: Erection problems Headaches Irregular or absent menstruation Decreased or no desire for sex ( low libido ) Fatigue, low energy Nipple discharge.Primary empty sella syndrome is most often discovered during an MRI or CT scan of the head and brain. Pituitary function is usually normal. The health care provider may order tests to make sure the pituitary gland is working normally. Sometimes, tests for high pressure in the brain will be done, such as: Examination of the retina by an ophthalmologist Lumbar puncture ( spinal tap ).For primary empty sella syndrome: There is no treatment if pituitary function is normal. Medicines may be prescribed to treat any abnormal hormone levels. For secondary empty sella syndrome, treatment involves replacing the hormones that are missing. In some cases, surgery is needed to repair the sella turcica.Primary empty sella syndrome does not cause health problems, and it does not affect life expectancy.Complications of primary empty sella syndrome include a slightly higher than normal level of prolactin. This is a hormone made by the pituitary gland. Prolactin stimulates breast development and milk production in women. Complications of secondary empty sella syndrome are related to the cause of pituitary gland disease or to the effects of too little pituitary hormone.Contact your provider if you develop symptoms of abnormal pituitary function, such as menstrual cycle problems or impotence.Pituitary - empty sella syndrome.The pituitary gland Pituitary gland.Kaiser U, Ho KKY. Pituitary physiology and diagnostic evaluation.