Partial empty sella syndrome with pan hypopituitarism leading to pericardial effusion.

Volume : VII, Issue : IV, April - 2018

Amit Choudhary, Ankur Gupta, Rk Jha

There have been number of leading causes of pericardial effusion but secondary hypothyroidism has rarely been described as a cause of pericardial

effusion. Here we present a case of 35 years female who presented with anasarca, shortness of eath and easy fatiguablity. Her echocardiography

revealed pericardial effusion with impending cardiac temponade. There was evidence of secondary hypothyroidism with decreased free T3 and T4

and normal TSH levels. Further detailed workup history revealed history of post–partum hemorrhage few years back with loss of menstruation and

lactation following it. Suspicion of pituitary disorder was made which was confirmed by decrease FSH, LH, prolactin levels. MRI ain confirmed

diagnosis of partial empty sella turcica syndrome. This case indicated the need to consider hypothyroidism, even central, as a possible etiology in

patients with unexplained pericardial effusion. Since Sheehan‘s can present at a variable duration after the last pregnancy it has to be considered

even if history of childbirth is remote.