resutls: NB empty sella on mri- so TSH might not... - Thyroid UK

Thyroid UK

137,139 members160,827 posts

resutls

juls profile image
juls
15 Replies

NB empty sella on mri- so TSH might not be reflective of thyroid status.? anyone know what this means?

Written by
juls profile image
juls
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
15 Replies
Aurealis profile image
Aurealis

Results of google search - When the pituitary gland shrinks or becomes flattened, it cannot be seen on an MRI scan. This makes the area of the pituitary gland look like an "empty sella." But the sella is not actually empty. ... With empty sella syndrome, CSF has leaked into the sella turcica, putting pressure on the pituitary gland.

juls profile image
juls in reply to Aurealis

yes I know this.. but this note was on my results I wanted to know what the NB stands for and why my TSH would not be reflective of thyroid status..? I have hasimotos

helvella profile image
helvellaAdministratorThyroid UK in reply to juls

NB - nota bene = note well / be aware

Anything wrong or unusual about the pituitary gland could mean that it does not have the capacity to produce the appropriate amount of TSH (as compared with those who do not have such issues). Therefore TSH cannot be relied on.

juls profile image
juls in reply to helvella

OKKKKK thank you for that. why can't they just say this ?

juls profile image
juls in reply to helvella

I asked my GP about the NB she says means well ? hahaha

MaisieGray profile image
MaisieGray in reply to juls

It's telling you that rather than an abnormal thyroid result being the result of a poorly functioning thyroid, that it may be due to a problem with the pituitary gland ie secondary thyroid disease.

juls profile image
juls in reply to MaisieGray

Thanks.. I have Hashimoto's, just found I have empty sella.

MaisieGray profile image
MaisieGray in reply to juls

"why can't they just say this" - presumably that is a remark made by the laboratory analyst intended for the (medical) Dr, rather than the (lay) patient, and accordingly it needs to be in the exact language of the profession, to avoid ambiguity.

Pipido36 profile image
Pipido36

Hi,

I have empty sella syndrome since 2007. I'm not sure about the results meaning but I guess as the pituitary gland produces most of the main hormones it might mean that your TSH levels could not be caused by thyroid problem in itself but due to the malfunction of the pituitary gland. Thats what I think. I hope you get the answer you want. X

juls profile image
juls in reply to Pipido36

empty sella maybe was caused by an adenoma years ago had treatment for this well over 30 years ago treated with bromocriptine for very high prolactin.. was diagnosed with hypothyroidism in 2007.now hashimotos

Pipido36 profile image
Pipido36 in reply to juls

That's true, I have lupus diagnosed 2003 and vasculitis and celiac disease. Had menopause at 33 caused by empty sella. Just hang in there and keep in keeping on. Doctors won't say much, I knew about my empty sella syndrome after a fell ill and was admitted in 2007 but was told MRI scan of 2005 showed the empty sella. X

juls profile image
juls in reply to Pipido36

wow.. really, I had an early menopause I was 36 and this is the time I was having the prolactin problems. All I wish for is to feel normal not wasting time seeing doctors wasting there time and mine I don't understand their results..

Pipido36 profile image
Pipido36 in reply to juls

I know! That's what I told my Rheumatologist and Endocrinologist that if you don't explain then it means I will keep coming coz I won't know whats making me feel sick all the time but with full explanation you just learn to manage your illnesses without consulting them unless it's something new!....

Yes. It means that you have a shrunken pituitary - so you may have problems making hormones (hypopituitary) and TSH should not be used to assess thyroid status. See pituitary.org.uk/informatio... You might well have secondary hypothyroidism if free T4 and free T3 are low in range.

juls profile image
juls in reply to Angel_of_the_North

I know about empty sella,,my tests normal tsh t4 high t3 low.. no clue