The "empty sella" in childhood

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Endocrinology
• Neuroradiology
• Neuroscience

Background:

• The

Observation:

• Four pediatric cases of empty sella (ES) were identified, with novel associations including central precocious puberty, secondary ES from prolactinoma treatment, and pseudotumor cerebri.
• These cases, along with a review of 27 pediatric ES instances, reveal distinct clinical features compared to adult presentations.
• Pediatric ES cases showed no female predominance and a higher incidence of secondary causes and associated endocrine and visual abnormalities.

Findings:

• Childhood empty sella (ES) presents differently than in adults, with varied associated conditions.
• Endocrine and visual abnormalities are more frequent in pediatric ES.
• Seven pediatric cases exhibited local skull dysplasia or familial inheritance patterns.

Implications:

• Highlights the need for specialized diagnostic and management approaches for pediatric empty sella.
• Suggests further research into the etiology and long-term outcomes of ES in children.
• Emphasizes the importance of considering ES in the differential diagnosis of pediatric sellar abnormalities.