Turner syndrome and postpubertal Empty sella syndrome: a case report and literature review

IntroductionTurner syndrome is a common sex chromosome disorder characterized by short stature, gonadal dysgenesis, and hypergonadotropic hypogonadism. Empty Sella Syndrome is defined radiologically as the presence of cerebrospinal fluid filling the sella turcica and is associated with hypopituitari...

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Main Authors: Fanyu Lin, Jing Zeng
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Frontiers Media S.A. 2025-06-01
Series:Frontiers in Endocrinology
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Online Access:https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fendo.2025.1552724/full
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author Fanyu Lin
Fanyu Lin
Jing Zeng
Jing Zeng
author_facet Fanyu Lin
Fanyu Lin
Jing Zeng
Jing Zeng
author_sort Fanyu Lin
collection DOAJ
description IntroductionTurner syndrome is a common sex chromosome disorder characterized by short stature, gonadal dysgenesis, and hypergonadotropic hypogonadism. Empty Sella Syndrome is defined radiologically as the presence of cerebrospinal fluid filling the sella turcica and is associated with hypopituitarism. The association between TS and ESS is rare.MethodsWe present a case of Turner syndrome associated with Empty Sella Syndrome, characterized by complete development of secondary sexual characteristics but irregular menstruation. Magnetic resonance imaging of the pituitary gland revealed partial empty sella with evidence of pituitary compression. Laboratory investigations indicated hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, central hypothyroidism, and an insulin-induced hypoglycemia test suggested insufficient compensatory growth hormone secretion, while cortisol compensation was normal. To ascertain the correlation between Turner syndrome and Empty Sella Syndrome, we reviewed the literature and tried to explore the potential pathophysiological mechanisms underlying their co-occurrence, thereby providing evidence and reference value for clinical diagnosis.DiscussionThe etiology of post-pubertal pituitary dysfunction in patients with Turner syndrome remains obscure. Both primary and secondary Empty Sella Syndromes may be potential underlying causes, and some familial histories suggest the presence of an as-yet-undefined genetic-related patho-physiological mechanism that warrants further investigation.
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spelling doaj-art-1016427fdcec476d80e97a236c8a4e062025-08-20T03:07:17ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Endocrinology1664-23922025-06-011610.3389/fendo.2025.15527241552724Turner syndrome and postpubertal Empty sella syndrome: a case report and literature reviewFanyu Lin0Fanyu Lin1Jing Zeng2Jing Zeng3Department of General Internal Medicine, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, ChinaKey Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, Chengdu, Sichuan, ChinaDepartment of General Internal Medicine, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, ChinaKey Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, Chengdu, Sichuan, ChinaIntroductionTurner syndrome is a common sex chromosome disorder characterized by short stature, gonadal dysgenesis, and hypergonadotropic hypogonadism. Empty Sella Syndrome is defined radiologically as the presence of cerebrospinal fluid filling the sella turcica and is associated with hypopituitarism. The association between TS and ESS is rare.MethodsWe present a case of Turner syndrome associated with Empty Sella Syndrome, characterized by complete development of secondary sexual characteristics but irregular menstruation. Magnetic resonance imaging of the pituitary gland revealed partial empty sella with evidence of pituitary compression. Laboratory investigations indicated hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, central hypothyroidism, and an insulin-induced hypoglycemia test suggested insufficient compensatory growth hormone secretion, while cortisol compensation was normal. To ascertain the correlation between Turner syndrome and Empty Sella Syndrome, we reviewed the literature and tried to explore the potential pathophysiological mechanisms underlying their co-occurrence, thereby providing evidence and reference value for clinical diagnosis.DiscussionThe etiology of post-pubertal pituitary dysfunction in patients with Turner syndrome remains obscure. Both primary and secondary Empty Sella Syndromes may be potential underlying causes, and some familial histories suggest the presence of an as-yet-undefined genetic-related patho-physiological mechanism that warrants further investigation.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fendo.2025.1552724/fullTurner syndromeEmpty sella syndromemultiple hypopituitarismcentral hypothyroidismhypogonadotropic hypogonadism
spellingShingle Fanyu Lin
Fanyu Lin
Jing Zeng
Jing Zeng
Turner syndrome and postpubertal Empty sella syndrome: a case report and literature review
Frontiers in Endocrinology
Turner syndrome
Empty sella syndrome
multiple hypopituitarism
central hypothyroidism
hypogonadotropic hypogonadism
title Turner syndrome and postpubertal Empty sella syndrome: a case report and literature review
title_full Turner syndrome and postpubertal Empty sella syndrome: a case report and literature review
title_fullStr Turner syndrome and postpubertal Empty sella syndrome: a case report and literature review
title_full_unstemmed Turner syndrome and postpubertal Empty sella syndrome: a case report and literature review
title_short Turner syndrome and postpubertal Empty sella syndrome: a case report and literature review
title_sort turner syndrome and postpubertal empty sella syndrome a case report and literature review
topic Turner syndrome
Empty sella syndrome
multiple hypopituitarism
central hypothyroidism
hypogonadotropic hypogonadism
url https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fendo.2025.1552724/full
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