What is pituitary stalk compression syndrome?

What is pituitary stalk compression syndrome?

The stalk compression syndrome refers to the symptoms and signs of hyperprolactinaemia in the presence of moderately raised prolactin concentrations and a sellar or suprasellar mass but distortion of the pituitary stalk alone does not correlate with prolactin concentrations.

What happens in pituitary insufficiency syndrome?

In women, the deficiency decreases egg and estrogen production from the ovaries. In men, the deficiency decreases sperm and testosterone production from the testicles. Women and men may experience a lower sex drive, infertility or fatigue. In children and adolescents, delayed puberty is usually the only symptom.

What are the symptoms of hypo pituitary function?

What are the symptoms of hypopituitarism?

  • Stomach pain, decreased appetite, nausea and vomiting, constipation.
  • Excessive thirst and urination.
  • Fatigue and/or weakness.
  • Anemia (not having enough red blood cells)
  • Headache and dizziness.
  • Sensitivity to cold.
  • Weight loss or weight gain.
  • Muscles aches.

What causes pituitary stalk thickening?

The common etiologies presenting with central diabetes insipidus (DI) associated with a thickened pituitary stalk in the pediatric population are: Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis (LCH), central nervous system tumors such as germinoma and craniopharyngioma, granulomatous lesions like tuberculosis and sarcoidosis and …

How common is Sheehan syndrome?

Statistics. It has been estimated that Sheehan syndrome may occur in five out of every 100,000 women who give birth. It is rare in developed countries, but may occur more often in developing countries.

Where is the pituitary stalk?

The pituitary stalk, known as the infundibulum or infundibular stalk, is the connection between the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland, especially the posterior pituitary gland.

How common is Panhypopituitarism?

Internationally, there are 4.2 cases of panhypopituitarism per 100,000 people per year. Symptoms can include growth problems in children, slow heart rate, low blood sugar, low blood pressure and problems with reproduction. If left untreated, children can suffer central nervous system damage.

Is the pituitary stalk hollow?

Your pituitary gland is about the size of a pea and is situated in a bony hollow, just behind the bridge of your nose. It is attached to the base of your brain by a thin stalk.

Where is the pituitary stalk located?

The pituitary stalk is the thin vertical blue portion. The pituitary stalk (also known as the infundibular stalk, Fenderson’s funnel, or simply the infundibulum) is the connection between the hypothalamus and the posterior pituitary.

How do you treat Sheehan syndrome?

Treatment for Sheehan’s syndrome is lifelong hormone replacement therapy for the hormones you’re missing….Your doctor might recommend one or more of the following medications:

  1. Corticosteroids.
  2. Levothyroxine (Levoxyl, Synthroid, others).
  3. Estrogen.
  4. Growth hormone.

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