In the context of the pituitary gland, CSF refers to cerebrospinal fluid.
Cerebrospinal Fluid and the Pituitary Gland
According to the provided reference, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) can interact with the pituitary gland, particularly in conditions like empty sella syndrome. The sella turcica is the bony cavity in the skull where the pituitary gland sits.
CSF and Empty Sella Syndrome
In empty sella syndrome, CSF has leaked into the sella turcica. This influx of fluid puts pressure directly on the pituitary gland.
- Effect on the Pituitary: This pressure causes the pituitary gland to shrink or flatten within the sella turcica.
- Primary Empty Sella Syndrome: A common cause of this leakage is when a layer covering the outside of the brain, known as the arachnoid, bulges downwards into the sella turcica, pressing on the pituitary gland.
Therefore, when discussing CSF in relation to the pituitary gland, it typically refers to the presence of cerebrospinal fluid in the sella turcica that affects the size and shape of the pituitary gland, often associated with empty sella syndrome as described in the reference.
