What is the cause of primary empty sella syndrome?

The cause of primary empty sella syndrome is not fully understood, but it is thought to be related to a combination of factors:

Hormonal factors: Empty sella syndrome is associated with an increase in prolactin levels, a hormone produced by the pituitary gland. This can lead to a thinning of the pituitary stalk and eventually to the formation of an empty sella.

Structural abnormalities: Some people with primary empty sella syndrome have structural abnormalities of the sella turcica, the bony structure that houses the pituitary gland. These abnormalities may include an enlarged sella, a thin pituitary diaphragm, or a defect in the sella floor.

Trauma: Empty sella syndrome may also be caused by trauma, such as a head injury or surgery, that damages the pituitary stalk.

Idiopathic: In some cases, primary empty sella syndrome is idiopathic, meaning that no specific cause can be identified.