Isolated deficit of adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH) associated with primary empty sella turcica
Fernández Vázquez, G.; Picó Alfonso, A.; Estopiñán, V.; Tovar, J.; Zurita, P.; Hurtado, A.
Medicina Clinica 87(11): 465-467
1986
ISSN/ISBN: 0025-7753 PMID: 3023769 Document Number: 272819
Isolated ACTH deficit is a rare cause of adrenal insufficiency. Its pathogenesis is obscure in many cases. We report a patient with selective ACTH deficit and primary empty sella turcica, in whom ACTH response after stimulation with insulin-induced hypoglycemia, lysine-vasopressin, and ACTH releasing hormone was not observed. It was concluded, therefore, that the origin of the abnormality was in the pituitary gland. The modes of action of the three tests and the relationship between the primary empty sella turcica and the selective ACTH deficit are discussed. We maintain that in the present patient such association was probably fortuitous.