
Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions β written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Sheehan's syndrome natural history, complications and prognosis
Introduction
Overview
Overview
Sheehan’s syndrome leads to hypopituitarism and empty sella syndrome, if left untreated. Common complications are including adrenal crisis, hypotension, hypothyroidism, and hypopituitarism. Prognosis is generally excellent provided early diagnosis and management resulting in complete reversal of symptoms.
Natural History, Complications, and Prognosis
Natural History, Complications, and Prognosis
Natural History
- Sheehan’s syndrome usually results in anterior pituitary shrinkage within 20 days, followed by disappearance of pituitary tissue in 6-8 week; resulting in hypopituitarism and empty sella syndrome.
- The symptoms of Sheehan’s syndrome can develop during immediate post-puerperal period to years after delivery.
- It may result in sparing or reversal of gonadotropic dysfunction as few cases of successful pregnancies have been reported following Sheehan’s syndrome.[1][2]
- If left untreated, lead to mitral regurgitation, pericardial effusion, and diminished left ventricular motion, adrenal crisis, hypopituitarism, and empty sella syndrome.[3]
Complications
- Common complications of Sheehan’s syndrome are including:
Prognosis
References
References
- β Zargar AH, Masoodi SR, Laway BA, Sofi FA, Wani AI (1998). “Pregnancy in Sheehan’s syndrome: a report of three cases”. J Assoc Physicians India. 46 (5): 476β8. PMIDΒ 11273296.
- β Moreira AC, Zanini Maciel LM, Foss MC, Tabosa VerΓssimo JM, Iazigi N (1984). “Gonadotropin secretory capacity in a patient with Sheehan’s syndrome with successful pregnancies”. Fertil. Steril. 42 (2): 303β5. PMIDΒ 6745465.
- β Laway BA, Ramzan M, Allai MS, Wani AI, Misgar RA (2016). “CARDIAC STRUCTURAL AND FUNCTIONAL ABNORMALITIES IN FEMALES WITH UNTREATED HYPOPITUITARISM DUE TO SHEEHAN SYNDROME: RESPONSE TO HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY”. Endocr Pract. 22 (9): 1096β103. doi:10.4158/EP161262.OR. PMIDΒ 27359291.
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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]
