Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Sheehan’s Syndrome: Case Report and Literature Review of Imaging Studies

Abstract

To present the first documentation of pituitary atrophy on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in a patient with Sheehan's syndrome and review the published radiologic findings in this syndrome. We describe the clinical and laboratory findings in a young woman with Sheehan's syndrome, provide the MRI results, and discuss the previously published radiologic studies of this syndrome. A 31-year-old woman, who was examined 11 months after severe postpartum hemorrhage, had clinical and biochemical findings consistent with Sheehan's syndrome (loss of axillary hair, amenorrhea, and impaired pituitary reserve for luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, thyrotropin, growth hormone, and corticotropin). MRI showed a partially empty sella in conjunction with invagination of the optic chiasm anteriorly into the pituitary fossa. Because of its greater spatial resolution, higher signal-to-noise ratio, and potential for multiplanar images, MRI can provide more precise and detailed findings than other radiologic studies and can facilitate diagnosis of Sheehan's syndrome.