Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Dachshund with megaesophagus and high cortisol levels linked to empty
By Burgener, I A et al.·Published in The Journal of small animal practice·2007·Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Empty sella syndrome, hyperadrenocorticism and megaoesophagus in a dachshund.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A 5-year-old male dachshund was brought to the vet after experiencing excessive drooling and regurgitation for five days, along with increased thirst and urination for several months. X-rays showed he had megaesophagus (a condition where the esophagus is enlarged) and aspiration pneumonia. Blood tests indicated he had hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing's disease), which can cause various health issues. Unfortunately, his condition worsened, leading to severe breathing problems, and he was euthanized after further imaging revealed a rare condition called empty sella syndrome, where the pituitary gland area is filled with fluid.
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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 on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17608665/