Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Empty sella syndrome, hyperadrenocorticism and megaoesophagus in a dachshund.
- Journal:
- The Journal of small animal practice
- Year:
- 2007
- Authors:
- Burgener, I A et al.
- Affiliation:
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A five-year-old male dachshund was brought to the vet after experiencing excessive drooling and regurgitation for five days, along with increased drinking and urination for several months. X-rays showed that he had a condition called megaesophagus, which means his esophagus was enlarged and not functioning properly, and he also had aspiration pneumonia, a lung infection caused by inhaling food or liquid. Tests revealed that he had hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing's disease), which is a hormonal disorder, indicated by high levels of certain enzymes and hormones. Unfortunately, his condition worsened, leading to severe trouble breathing, and he was euthanized after further imaging showed a fluid-filled area in his brain, a rare condition known as empty sella syndrome. This case is significant as it is the first reported instance of empty sella syndrome in a dog, but the link between this condition and the hormonal disorder may not be directly related.
Abstract
A five-year-old, entire, male dachshund was presented with a five day history of hypersalivation and regurgitation as well as polyuria and polydipsia for several months. Chest radiographs demonstrated megaoesophagus and aspiration pneumonia. Furthermore, hyperadrenocorticism was demonstrated by means of elevations in levels of serum alkaline phosphatase and cholesterol, decreased urinary specific gravity, increased response to adrenocorticotropic hormone stimulation, insufficient suppression of the post-dexamethasone plasma cortisol levels, an increased endogenous adrenocorticotropic hormone concentration and bilaterally enlarged adrenal glands on abdominal ultrasound. The dog became severely dyspnoeic and was euthanased after magnetic resonance imaging was performed. The magnetic resonance imaging and necropsy revealed the sellar region mainly filled with fluid, with only small tissue remnants, a condition defined as empty sella syndrome in human medicine. To the author's knowledge, this is the first dog described with empty sella syndrome and only the second dog described with hyperadrenocorticism secondary to ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone production. However, the association between empty sella syndrome and hyperadrenocorticism may be no more than incidental.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17608665/