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==Epidemiology and Demographics==
==Epidemiology and Demographics==
The incidence of Sheehan's syndrome is difficult to assess.<ref name="pmid303183">{{cite journal |vauthors=Asaoka K |title=[A study on the incidence of post-partum hypopituitarism, (Sheehan's syndrome)] |language=Japanese |journal=Nihon Naibunpi Gakkai Zasshi |volume=53 |issue=7 |pages=895–909 |year=1977 |pmid=303183 |doi= |url=}}</ref> It was found to be the 6th most common cause of GH deficiency with an incidence of 3.1% of cases.<ref name="pmid10468941">{{cite journal |vauthors=Abs R, Bengtsson BA, Hernberg-Stâhl E, Monson JP, Tauber JP, Wilton P, Wüster C |title=GH replacement in 1034 growth hormone deficient hypopituitary adults: demographic and clinical characteristics, dosing and safety |journal=Clin. Endocrinol. (Oxf) |volume=50 |issue=6 |pages=703–13 |year=1999 |pmid=10468941 |doi= |url=}}</ref> In 2009, the prevalence of Sheehan's syndrome was estimated to be 5.1 per 100,000 women.It is less prevalent in developed countries due to better obstetrical care and maternal health awraeness.<ref name="pmid16213852">{{cite journal |vauthors=Feinberg EC, Molitch ME, Endres LK, Peaceman AM |title=The incidence of Sheehan's syndrome after obstetric hemorrhage |journal=Fertil. Steril. |volume=84 |issue=4 |pages=975–9 |year=2005 |pmid=16213852 |doi=10.1016/j.fertnstert.2005.04.034 |url=}}</ref><ref name="pmid26817341">{{cite journal |vauthors=Krysiak R, Okopień B |title=[Sheehan's syndrome--a forgotten disease with 100 years' history] |language=Polish |journal=Prz. Lek. |volume=72 |issue=6 |pages=313–20 |year=2015 |pmid=26817341 |doi= |url=}}</ref> It is still one of the most common causes of hypopituitarism in developing countries.<ref name="pmid26817341">{{cite journal |vauthors=Krysiak R, Okopień B |title=[Sheehan's syndrome--a forgotten disease with 100 years' history] |language=Polish |journal=Prz. Lek. |volume=72 |issue=6 |pages=313–20 |year=2015 |pmid=26817341 |doi= |url=}}</ref>
The [[incidence]] of Sheehan's syndrome is difficult to assess.<ref name="pmid303183">{{cite journal |vauthors=Asaoka K |title=[A study on the incidence of post-partum hypopituitarism, (Sheehan's syndrome)] |language=Japanese |journal=Nihon Naibunpi Gakkai Zasshi |volume=53 |issue=7 |pages=895–909 |year=1977 |pmid=303183 |doi= |url=}}</ref> It was found to be the 6th most common cause of [[Growth hormone|GH]] deficiency with an [[incidence]] of 3.1% of cases.<ref name="pmid10468941">{{cite journal |vauthors=Abs R, Bengtsson BA, Hernberg-Stâhl E, Monson JP, Tauber JP, Wilton P, Wüster C |title=GH replacement in 1034 growth hormone deficient hypopituitary adults: demographic and clinical characteristics, dosing and safety |journal=Clin. Endocrinol. (Oxf) |volume=50 |issue=6 |pages=703–13 |year=1999 |pmid=10468941 |doi= |url=}}</ref> In 2009, the [[prevalence]] of Sheehan's syndrome was estimated to be 5.1 per 100,000 women.It is less prevalent in [[Developed country|developed countries]] due to better [[Obstetrical|obstetrical care]] and [[maternal health]] awraeness.<ref name="pmid16213852">{{cite journal |vauthors=Feinberg EC, Molitch ME, Endres LK, Peaceman AM |title=The incidence of Sheehan's syndrome after obstetric hemorrhage |journal=Fertil. Steril. |volume=84 |issue=4 |pages=975–9 |year=2005 |pmid=16213852 |doi=10.1016/j.fertnstert.2005.04.034 |url=}}</ref><ref name="pmid26817341">{{cite journal |vauthors=Krysiak R, Okopień B |title=[Sheehan's syndrome--a forgotten disease with 100 years' history] |language=Polish |journal=Prz. Lek. |volume=72 |issue=6 |pages=313–20 |year=2015 |pmid=26817341 |doi= |url=}}</ref> It is still one of the most common causes of [[hypopituitarism]] in developing countries.<ref name="pmid26817341">{{cite journal |vauthors=Krysiak R, Okopień B |title=[Sheehan's syndrome--a forgotten disease with 100 years' history] |language=Polish |journal=Prz. Lek. |volume=72 |issue=6 |pages=313–20 |year=2015 |pmid=26817341 |doi= |url=}}</ref>


==Risk Factors==
==Risk Factors==
Common risk factors in the development of Sheehan's syndrome include pregnancy, severe/massive PPH, pituitary mass, pre-existing vascular diseases, autoimmunity,type 1 Diabetes, DIC, smaller and rigid sella, multiple gestations, placental abnormalities and traumatic delivery.
Common [[risk factors]] in the development of Sheehan's syndrome include [[pregnancy]], severe/[[Massive hemorrhage|massive PPH]], [[pituitary]] mass, pre-existing [[Vascular disease|vascular diseases]], [[autoimmunity]],[[type 1 Diabetes]], [[Disseminated intravascular coagulation|DIC]], smaller and rigid [[Sella turcica|sella]], multiple [[Gestation|gestations]], [[placental]] abnormalities and traumatic [[delivery]].


==Screening==
==Screening==
There is insufficient evidence to recommend routine screening for Sheehan's syndrome.
There is insufficient evidence to recommend routine [[Screening (medicine)|screening]] for Sheehan's syndrome.


==Natural History, Complications, and Prognosis==
==Natural History, Complications, and Prognosis==
Sheehan's syndrome, if left untreated lead to hypopituitarism and empty sella syndrome. Common complications  include adrenal crisis, hypotension, hypothyroidism and hypopituitarism. Prognosis is generally excellent provided early diagnosis and management resulting in complete reversal of symptoms.
Sheehan's syndrome, if left untreated lead to [[hypopituitarism]] and [[empty sella syndrome]]. Common [[complications]] include [[adrenal crisis]], [[hypotension]], [[hypothyroidism]] and [[hypopituitarism]]. [[Prognosis]] is generally excellent provided early [[diagnosis]] and management resulting in complete reversal of symptoms.


==Diagnosis==
==Diagnosis==
Diagnosis is made on clinical basis with a recent/remote history of traumatic delivery or delivery complicated by hypotension. Diagnosis is mostly clinical but detailed medical history, measurement of pituitary hormone levels in blood, pituitary hormone stimulation tests and imaging (MRI preferred on CT) studies can help in making the diagnosis.
Diagnosis is made on [[clinical]] basis with a recent/remote history of traumatic [[delivery]] or delivery complicated by [[hypotension]]. Diagnosis is mostly clinical but detailed medical history, measurement of [[pituitary hormone]] levels in blood, [[pituitary hormone]] stimulation tests and imaging ([[Magnetic resonance imaging|MRI]] preferred on [[Computed tomography|CT]]) studies can help in making the diagnosis.
===History and Symptoms===
===History and Symptoms===
The most common symptoms of Sheehan's sydrome include agalactorrhea and failure to resume menstruation after parturition. Common symptoms include hot flushes, decreased pubic/axillary hair, hypotension, hypoglycemia, features of hypothyroidism, hypoadrenalism and hypogonadism.
The most common symptoms of Sheehan's sydrome include agalactorrhea and failure to resume [[menstruation]] after [[parturition]]. Common symptoms include [[hot flushes]], decreased [[pubic]]/[[axillary]] hair, [[hypotension]], [[hypoglycemia]], features of [[hypothyroidism]], [[hypoadrenalism]] and [[hypogonadism]].


===Physical Examination===
===Physical Examination===
Patients with syndrome usually appear fatigued, lethargic and weight gain. Physical examination is usually remarkable for bradycardia, hypotension, pallor and signs suggestive of respective hormonal deficiency.
Patients with syndrome usually appear [[Fatigue|fatigued]], [[lethargic]] and [[weight gain]]. Physical examination is usually remarkable for [[bradycardia]], [[hypotension]], [[pallor]] and signs suggestive of respective [[hormonal]] deficiency.


===Laboratory Findings===
===Laboratory Findings===
Laboratory findings consistent with the diagnosis of Sheehan's syndrome include hyponatremia, hypokalemia, hypocalcemia, hypomagnesemia, hypophosphatemia, anemia, pancytopenia, eosinophilia, hypoalbuminemia, low fasting plasma glucose etc.
Laboratory findings consistent with the diagnosis of Sheehan's syndrome include [[hyponatremia]], [[hypokalemia]], [[hypocalcemia]], [[hypomagnesemia]], [[hypophosphatemia]], [[anemia]], [[pancytopenia]], [[eosinophilia]], [[hypoalbuminemia]], low [[fasting plasma glucose]] etc.


===Electrocardiogram===
===Electrocardiogram===
ECG findings associated with Sheehan's syndrome can include QT interval prolongation,Type-1 Brugada-like ECG pattern(due to adrenal crisis),findings suggestive of cardiac tamponade, dilated cardiomyopathy(multifactorial).<ref name="pmid25771803">{{cite journal |vauthors=Komuro J, Kaneko M, Ueda K, Nitta S, Kasao M, Shirai T |title=Adrenal insufficiency causes life-threatening arrhythmia with prolongation of QT interval |journal=Heart Vessels |volume=31 |issue=6 |pages=1003–5 |year=2016 |pmid=25771803 |pmc=4893060 |doi=10.1007/s00380-015-0660-6 |url=}}</ref><ref name="pmid24718975">{{cite journal |vauthors=Anselm DD, Baranchuk A |title=Confirmed Brugada phenocopy in the setting of hypopituitarism |journal=Herz |volume=40 |issue=4 |pages=639–40 |year=2015 |pmid=24718975 |doi=10.1007/s00059-014-4075-4 |url=}}</ref><ref name="pmid28365624">{{cite journal |vauthors=Martin-Grace J, Ahmed M, Mulvihill N, Feeney ER, Crowley RK |title=Getting to the heart of hypopituitarism |journal=Clin Med (Lond) |volume=17 |issue=2 |pages=140–142 |year=2017 |pmid=28365624 |doi=10.7861/clinmedicine.17-2-140 |url=}}</ref><ref name="pmid23513050">{{cite journal |vauthors=Doshi S, Roy A, Ramamoorthy A, Kothari SS, Bahl VK |title=Dilated cardiomyopathy: a ghost from the past |journal=Circ Heart Fail |volume=6 |issue=2 |pages=e19–21 |year=2013 |pmid=23513050 |doi=10.1161/CIRCHEARTFAILURE.112.000062 |url=}}</ref>
[[ECG]] findings associated with Sheehan's syndrome can include [[QT interval prolongation]],Type-1 Brugada-like ECG pattern (due to adrenal crisis),findings suggestive of [[cardiac tamponade]], [[dilated cardiomyopathy]] (multifactorial).<ref name="pmid25771803">{{cite journal |vauthors=Komuro J, Kaneko M, Ueda K, Nitta S, Kasao M, Shirai T |title=Adrenal insufficiency causes life-threatening arrhythmia with prolongation of QT interval |journal=Heart Vessels |volume=31 |issue=6 |pages=1003–5 |year=2016 |pmid=25771803 |pmc=4893060 |doi=10.1007/s00380-015-0660-6 |url=}}</ref><ref name="pmid24718975">{{cite journal |vauthors=Anselm DD, Baranchuk A |title=Confirmed Brugada phenocopy in the setting of hypopituitarism |journal=Herz |volume=40 |issue=4 |pages=639–40 |year=2015 |pmid=24718975 |doi=10.1007/s00059-014-4075-4 |url=}}</ref><ref name="pmid28365624">{{cite journal |vauthors=Martin-Grace J, Ahmed M, Mulvihill N, Feeney ER, Crowley RK |title=Getting to the heart of hypopituitarism |journal=Clin Med (Lond) |volume=17 |issue=2 |pages=140–142 |year=2017 |pmid=28365624 |doi=10.7861/clinmedicine.17-2-140 |url=}}</ref><ref name="pmid23513050">{{cite journal |vauthors=Doshi S, Roy A, Ramamoorthy A, Kothari SS, Bahl VK |title=Dilated cardiomyopathy: a ghost from the past |journal=Circ Heart Fail |volume=6 |issue=2 |pages=e19–21 |year=2013 |pmid=23513050 |doi=10.1161/CIRCHEARTFAILURE.112.000062 |url=}}</ref>


===X-ray===
===X-ray===
There are no x-ray findings associated with Sheehan's syndrome.
There are no [[x-ray]] findings associated with Sheehan's syndrome.


===CT scan===
===CT scan===
Acute presentation shows non-hemorrhagic pituitary gland enlargement while chronic presentation shows an empty sella or decreased sellar volume.<ref name="pmid2750772">{{cite journal |vauthors=Barkan AL |title=Pituitary atrophy in patients with Sheehan's syndrome |journal=Am. J. Med. Sci. |volume=298 |issue=1 |pages=38–40 |year=1989 |pmid=2750772 |doi= |url=}}</ref><ref name="pmid2591059">{{cite journal |vauthors=Sherif IH, Vanderley CM, Beshyah S, Bosairi S |title=Sella size and contents in Sheehan's syndrome |journal=Clin. Endocrinol. (Oxf) |volume=30 |issue=6 |pages=613–8 |year=1989 |pmid=2591059 |doi= |url=}}</ref><ref name="pmid1906495">{{cite journal |vauthors=Bakiri F, Bendib SE, Maoui R, Bendib A, Benmiloud M |title=The sella turcica in Sheehan's syndrome: computerized tomographic study in 54 patients |journal=J. Endocrinol. Invest. |volume=14 |issue=3 |pages=193–6 |year=1991 |pmid=1906495 |doi=10.1007/BF03346787 |url=}}</ref>
Acute presentation shows non-[[hemorrhagic]] [[pituitary gland]] enlargement while chronic presentation shows an [[empty sella]] or decreased [[Sella turcica|sellar]] volume.<ref name="pmid2750772">{{cite journal |vauthors=Barkan AL |title=Pituitary atrophy in patients with Sheehan's syndrome |journal=Am. J. Med. Sci. |volume=298 |issue=1 |pages=38–40 |year=1989 |pmid=2750772 |doi= |url=}}</ref><ref name="pmid2591059">{{cite journal |vauthors=Sherif IH, Vanderley CM, Beshyah S, Bosairi S |title=Sella size and contents in Sheehan's syndrome |journal=Clin. Endocrinol. (Oxf) |volume=30 |issue=6 |pages=613–8 |year=1989 |pmid=2591059 |doi= |url=}}</ref><ref name="pmid1906495">{{cite journal |vauthors=Bakiri F, Bendib SE, Maoui R, Bendib A, Benmiloud M |title=The sella turcica in Sheehan's syndrome: computerized tomographic study in 54 patients |journal=J. Endocrinol. Invest. |volume=14 |issue=3 |pages=193–6 |year=1991 |pmid=1906495 |doi=10.1007/BF03346787 |url=}}</ref>


===MRI===
===MRI===
Findings on MRI suggestive of Sheehan's syndrome include decreased sellar volume, empty sella, pituitary remnant tissue or CSF fluid in sella.<ref name="pmid2750772">{{cite journal |vauthors=Barkan AL |title=Pituitary atrophy in patients with Sheehan's syndrome |journal=Am. J. Med. Sci. |volume=298 |issue=1 |pages=38–40 |year=1989 |pmid=2750772 |doi= |url=}}</ref><ref name="pmid2591059">{{cite journal |vauthors=Sherif IH, Vanderley CM, Beshyah S, Bosairi S |title=Sella size and contents in Sheehan's syndrome |journal=Clin. Endocrinol. (Oxf) |volume=30 |issue=6 |pages=613–8 |year=1989 |pmid=2591059 |doi= |url=}}</ref><ref name="pmid1906495">{{cite journal |vauthors=Bakiri F, Bendib SE, Maoui R, Bendib A, Benmiloud M |title=The sella turcica in Sheehan's syndrome: computerized tomographic study in 54 patients |journal=J. Endocrinol. Invest. |volume=14 |issue=3 |pages=193–6 |year=1991 |pmid=1906495 |doi=10.1007/BF03346787 |url=}}</ref>
Findings on [[Magnetic resonance imaging|MRI]] suggestive of Sheehan's syndrome include decreased [[Sella turcica|sellar]] volume, [[empty sella]], [[pituitary]] remnant tissue or [[CSF]]  in [[Sella turcica|sella]].<ref name="pmid2750772">{{cite journal |vauthors=Barkan AL |title=Pituitary atrophy in patients with Sheehan's syndrome |journal=Am. J. Med. Sci. |volume=298 |issue=1 |pages=38–40 |year=1989 |pmid=2750772 |doi= |url=}}</ref><ref name="pmid2591059">{{cite journal |vauthors=Sherif IH, Vanderley CM, Beshyah S, Bosairi S |title=Sella size and contents in Sheehan's syndrome |journal=Clin. Endocrinol. (Oxf) |volume=30 |issue=6 |pages=613–8 |year=1989 |pmid=2591059 |doi= |url=}}</ref><ref name="pmid1906495">{{cite journal |vauthors=Bakiri F, Bendib SE, Maoui R, Bendib A, Benmiloud M |title=The sella turcica in Sheehan's syndrome: computerized tomographic study in 54 patients |journal=J. Endocrinol. Invest. |volume=14 |issue=3 |pages=193–6 |year=1991 |pmid=1906495 |doi=10.1007/BF03346787 |url=}}</ref>


===Ultrasound===
===Ultrasound===
Echo findings associated with Sheehan's syndrome may include reversible dilated cardiomyopathy and pericardial effusion.<ref name="pmid1553916">{{cite journal |vauthors=Frustaci A, Perrone GA, Gentiloni N, Russo MA |title=Reversible dilated cardiomyopathy due to growth hormone deficiency |journal=Am. J. Clin. Pathol. |volume=97 |issue=4 |pages=503–11 |year=1992 |pmid=1553916 |doi= |url=}}</ref><ref name="pmid21668725">{{cite journal |vauthors=Hsieh CY, Liu BY, Yang YN, Yin WH, Young MS |title=Massive pericardial effusion with diastolic right ventricular compression secondary to hypothyroidism in a 73-year-old woman |journal=Emerg Med Australas |volume=23 |issue=3 |pages=372–5 |year=2011 |pmid=21668725 |doi=10.1111/j.1742-6723.2011.01425.x |url=}}</ref>
[[Echocardiography|Echo]] findings associated with Sheehan's syndrome may include reversible [[dilated cardiomyopathy]] and [[pericardial effusion]].<ref name="pmid1553916">{{cite journal |vauthors=Frustaci A, Perrone GA, Gentiloni N, Russo MA |title=Reversible dilated cardiomyopathy due to growth hormone deficiency |journal=Am. J. Clin. Pathol. |volume=97 |issue=4 |pages=503–11 |year=1992 |pmid=1553916 |doi= |url=}}</ref><ref name="pmid21668725">{{cite journal |vauthors=Hsieh CY, Liu BY, Yang YN, Yin WH, Young MS |title=Massive pericardial effusion with diastolic right ventricular compression secondary to hypothyroidism in a 73-year-old woman |journal=Emerg Med Australas |volume=23 |issue=3 |pages=372–5 |year=2011 |pmid=21668725 |doi=10.1111/j.1742-6723.2011.01425.x |url=}}</ref>


===Other Imaging Findings===
===Other Imaging Findings===
Line 65: Line 65:
==Treatment==
==Treatment==
===Medical Therapy===
===Medical Therapy===
Treatment involves appropriate hormone replacement therapy that results in complete recovery and reversal of symptoms.
Treatment involves appropriate [[hormone replacement therapy]] that results in complete recovery and reversal of symptoms.


===Surgery===
===Surgery===
Line 71: Line 71:


===Primary Prevention===
===Primary Prevention===
Effective measures for the primary prevention of Sheehan's syndrome include; improved obstetrical care and peri-natal monitoring, prevention of pregnancy related complications, maternal awareness about Sheehan's syndrome and risk factors causing it and post-puerperal follow up.
Effective measures for the primary prevention of Sheehan's syndrome include; improved [[Obstetrical|obstetrical care]] and [[Perinatal|peri-natal]] monitoring, prevention of [[pregnancy]] related complications, [[maternal]] awareness about Sheehan's syndrome and risk factors causing it and post-puerperal follow up.


===Secondary Prevention===
===Secondary Prevention===
Effective measures for the secondary prevention  include early diagnosis and treatment to prevent life threatening complications.
Effective measures for the [[secondary prevention]] include early [[diagnosis]] and treatment to prevent life threatening [[complications]].


==References==
==References==

Revision as of 20:39, 28 August 2017

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Iqra Qamar M.D.[2]

Overview

Historical Perspective

Sheehan's syndrome was first discovered by Leon Konrad Gliński about a century ago and it was named after Harold Sheehan (1900-1988).[1][2]

Classification

There is no established system for the classification of Sheehan's syndrome

Pathophysiology

It is thought that Sheehan's syndrome is the result of ischemic necrosis of pituitary gland due to pituitary gland enlargement during parturition precipitated by hypotension due to massive hemorrhage. Apart from pituitary gland enlargement during and before parturition, vasospasm, generalized Schwartzman phenomenon,thrombosis and compression of the hypophyseal arteries, autoimmunity, DIC and smaller size of sella are thought to play a contributing role in pathogenesis of Sheehan syndrome.[3][4][5] Occlusion and other vascular anomalies of the hypophyseal portal system can also cause complications in the exchange of hormones between the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland leading to hypopituitarism. Sheehan's syndrome results in mild to severe pituitary dysfunction resulting in partial or panhypopituitarism such as growth hormone (GH), thyroid hormone, glucocorticoid, gonadotropins and prolactin hormone deficiencies that manifests as a wide spectrum of presentation.[6] Usually, GH is the earliest one to be lost.[3]

Causes

Common causes of Sheehan's syndrome include massive hemorrhage, hypotension during pregnancy, vascular compression, and vascular occlusion (thrombosis, DIC). Less common causes include vascular insufficiency due to CABG in older patients and snake bites (Russell's viper bites).

Differentiating Sheehan's syndrome from Other Diseases

Sheehan syndrome must be differentiated from lymphocytic hypophysitis, pituitary apoplexy, hypothyroidism, Addison's disease, panhypopituitarism, empty sella syndrome, hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, Simmond's disease, hypoprolactinemia and menopause.[7][8][9]

Epidemiology and Demographics

The incidence of Sheehan's syndrome is difficult to assess.[10] It was found to be the 6th most common cause of GH deficiency with an incidence of 3.1% of cases.[11] In 2009, the prevalence of Sheehan's syndrome was estimated to be 5.1 per 100,000 women.It is less prevalent in developed countries due to better obstetrical care and maternal health awraeness.[12][13] It is still one of the most common causes of hypopituitarism in developing countries.[13]

Risk Factors

Common risk factors in the development of Sheehan's syndrome include pregnancy, severe/massive PPH, pituitary mass, pre-existing vascular diseases, autoimmunity,type 1 Diabetes, DIC, smaller and rigid sella, multiple gestations, placental abnormalities and traumatic delivery.

Screening

There is insufficient evidence to recommend routine screening for Sheehan's syndrome.

Natural History, Complications, and Prognosis

Sheehan's syndrome, if left untreated lead to hypopituitarism and empty sella syndrome. Common complications include adrenal crisis, hypotension, hypothyroidism and hypopituitarism. Prognosis is generally excellent provided early diagnosis and management resulting in complete reversal of symptoms.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is made on clinical basis with a recent/remote history of traumatic delivery or delivery complicated by hypotension. Diagnosis is mostly clinical but detailed medical history, measurement of pituitary hormone levels in blood, pituitary hormone stimulation tests and imaging (MRI preferred on CT) studies can help in making the diagnosis.

History and Symptoms

The most common symptoms of Sheehan's sydrome include agalactorrhea and failure to resume menstruation after parturition. Common symptoms include hot flushes, decreased pubic/axillary hair, hypotension, hypoglycemia, features of hypothyroidism, hypoadrenalism and hypogonadism.

Physical Examination

Patients with syndrome usually appear fatigued, lethargic and weight gain. Physical examination is usually remarkable for bradycardia, hypotension, pallor and signs suggestive of respective hormonal deficiency.

Laboratory Findings

Laboratory findings consistent with the diagnosis of Sheehan's syndrome include hyponatremia, hypokalemia, hypocalcemia, hypomagnesemia, hypophosphatemia, anemia, pancytopenia, eosinophilia, hypoalbuminemia, low fasting plasma glucose etc.

Electrocardiogram

ECG findings associated with Sheehan's syndrome can include QT interval prolongation,Type-1 Brugada-like ECG pattern (due to adrenal crisis),findings suggestive of cardiac tamponade, dilated cardiomyopathy (multifactorial).[14][15][16][17]

X-ray

There are no x-ray findings associated with Sheehan's syndrome.

CT scan

Acute presentation shows non-hemorrhagic pituitary gland enlargement while chronic presentation shows an empty sella or decreased sellar volume.[18][19][20]

MRI

Findings on MRI suggestive of Sheehan's syndrome include decreased sellar volume, empty sella, pituitary remnant tissue or CSF in sella.[18][19][20]

Ultrasound

Echo findings associated with Sheehan's syndrome may include reversible dilated cardiomyopathy and pericardial effusion.[21][22]

Other Imaging Findings

There are no other imaging findings associated with Sheehan's syndrome.

Other Diagnostic Studies

There are no additional diagnostic findings for Sheehan's syndrome.

Treatment

Medical Therapy

Treatment involves appropriate hormone replacement therapy that results in complete recovery and reversal of symptoms.

Surgery

Surgical intervention is not recommended for the management of Sheehan's syndrome.

Primary Prevention

Effective measures for the primary prevention of Sheehan's syndrome include; improved obstetrical care and peri-natal monitoring, prevention of pregnancy related complications, maternal awareness about Sheehan's syndrome and risk factors causing it and post-puerperal follow up.

Secondary Prevention

Effective measures for the secondary prevention include early diagnosis and treatment to prevent life threatening complications.

References

  1. Template:WhoNamedIt
  2. H. L. Sheehan. Post-partum necrosis of anterior pituitary. The Journal of Pathology and Bacteriology, Chichester, 1937, 45: 189-214.
  3. 3.0 3.1 Keleştimur F (2003). "Sheehan's syndrome". Pituitary. 6 (4): 181–8. PMID 15237929.
  4. Apitz, Kurt (September 1, 1935). "A Study of the Generalized Shwartzman Phenomenon". The Journal of Immunology. 29 (3): 255–266.
  5. McKay, Donald G.; Merrill, Samuel J.; Weiner, Albert E.; Hertig, Arthur T.; Reid, Duncan E. (1953). "The pathologic anatomy of eclampsia, bilateral renal cortical necrosis, pituitary necrosis, and other acute fatal complications of pregnancy, and its possible relationship to the generalized Shwartzman phenomenon". American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. 66 (3): 507–539. doi:10.1016/0002-9378(53)90068-4. ISSN 0002-9378.
  6. Vance ML (1994). "Hypopituitarism". N. Engl. J. Med. 330 (23): 1651–62. doi:10.1056/NEJM199406093302306. PMID 8043090.
  7. Rolih CA, Ober KP (1993). "Pituitary apoplexy". Endocrinol. Metab. Clin. North Am. 22 (2): 291–302. PMID 8325288.
  8. Vidal E, Cevallos R, Vidal J, Ravon R, Moreau JJ, Rogues AM, Loustaud V, Liozon F (1992). "Twelve cases of pituitary apoplexy". Arch. Intern. Med. 152 (9): 1893–9. PMID 1520058.
  9. Lazaro CM, Guo WY, Sami M, Hindmarsh T, Ericson K, Hulting AL, Wersäll J (1994). "Haemorrhagic pituitary tumours". Neuroradiology. 36 (2): 111–4. PMID 8183446.
  10. Asaoka K (1977). "[A study on the incidence of post-partum hypopituitarism, (Sheehan's syndrome)]". Nihon Naibunpi Gakkai Zasshi (in Japanese). 53 (7): 895–909. PMID 303183.
  11. Abs R, Bengtsson BA, Hernberg-Stâhl E, Monson JP, Tauber JP, Wilton P, Wüster C (1999). "GH replacement in 1034 growth hormone deficient hypopituitary adults: demographic and clinical characteristics, dosing and safety". Clin. Endocrinol. (Oxf). 50 (6): 703–13. PMID 10468941.
  12. Feinberg EC, Molitch ME, Endres LK, Peaceman AM (2005). "The incidence of Sheehan's syndrome after obstetric hemorrhage". Fertil. Steril. 84 (4): 975–9. doi:10.1016/j.fertnstert.2005.04.034. PMID 16213852.
  13. 13.0 13.1 Krysiak R, Okopień B (2015). "[Sheehan's syndrome--a forgotten disease with 100 years' history]". Prz. Lek. (in Polish). 72 (6): 313–20. PMID 26817341.
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