Intrasellar subarachnoid herniation or empty sella associated with galactorrhea.
Eight of 115 patients with empty sella had concurrent galactorrhea. All 8 patients had abnormal sellae, and the diagnosis of empty sella was made by polytome pneumoencephalography. There were no obvious endocrine dysfunctions, but 2 patients had elevated prolactin levels. One mechanism for production of galactorrhea may involve compression of the hypothalamus and/or pituitary stalk; this was suggested by most of our observations. There may be a coincidental association of empty sella with galactorrhea, and this association is probably more common than previously noted. Evaluation of patients with galactorrhea and abnormal sellae by polytome pneumoencephalography is emphasized.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D004652:Empty Sella Syndrome / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D005260:Female; D005687:Galactorrhea / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006801:Humans; D007775:Lactation Disorders / Q000150:complications*; D011011:Pneumoencephalography; D011247:Pregnancy