Analysis of Biochemical, Hormonal and Radiological Morphological Measurement Values in Patients with Empty Sella: A Clinical Study

Abstract

Abstract Objective This study investigated the relationship between radiological morphological findings and hormone levels in patients with empty sella. Methods Patients (32 female, 3 male) with empty sella detected on radiological images were grouped as “partial empty sella (PBS) group” (subarachnoid space volume < 70%) and “total empty sella (TBS) group” (subarachnoid space volume > 70%). Age, gender, sella volume, pituitary gland thickness, the ratio of subarachnoid space height to pituitary gland height, and diaphragm sellae diameter were measured on radiological images. All patients' blood count results, biochemistry results, and serum hormone values were recorded. Results Age, complete blood count, serum biochemistry parameters, and hormone levels were not different between PBS and TBS groups. Correlation analysis revealed a negative correlation between gender and subarachnoid space invasion volume, between gender and sagittal width of the sella turcica (ST), between cortisol level and ST axial diameter, between progesterone level and ST axial diameter, between testosterone level and ST axial diameter, between adrenocorticotropic hormone level and ST axial diameter, between TSH level and subarachnoid space invasion rate, between free T4 level and diaphragm sellae sagittal width, and between free T4 level and ST sagittal width. Conclusion This study showed that some serum hormone values may decrease when the sella tursica dimensions or the volume of subarachnoid space invading the sella tursica increase in patients with empty sella, and therefore, periodic follow-up of hormone levels and radiological images of these patients would be appropriate.