Empty Sella Syndrome ICD-10-CM Codes

Table of content

What empty sella syndrome ICD-10 codes can I use?Are these empty sella syndrome ICD codes billable?Clinical information Synonyms include FAQS

Use Code

What empty sella syndrome ICD-10 codes can I use?

If you're looking for empty sella syndrome ICD codes to use but are having trouble locating some, well, that's because there are no ICD-10 codes that mention empty sella syndrome in their names. That doesn't mean there are no ICD-10 codes related to it! Here are two that you can use:

E23.0: Hypopituitarism

This ICD-10 code is meant to be used on a patient confirmed to have hypopituitarism, a deficiency of the hormones produced by the pituitary gland. If you're wondering what this has to do with empty sella syndrome, this syndrome flattens or shrinks the pituitary gland, which can cause pituitary deficiency.

E23.6: Other disorders of the pituitary gland

This ICD-10 code is meant for patients with other disorders of pituitary gland, specifically diseases without specific ICD-10 codes. You may use it since empty sella syndrome has no specific ICD-10 code.

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Are these empty sella syndrome ICD codes billable?

Yes. Both of these empty sella syndrome-related ICD-10 codes are valid and billable.

Clinical information

Empty sella syndrome is a pituitary gland disorder characterized by the shrinking or flattening of the pituitary gland due to problems concerning the sella turcica's contents.
The condition can be classified as primary (idiopathic) or secondary to other conditions such as trauma, surgery, or radiation.
Diagnosis typically involves neuroimaging with an MRI or CT scan to visualize the pituitary gland and sella turcica.
Risk factors include female gender, middle age, and obesity. Some cases may be associated with hypothalamic dysfunction, affecting regulatory processes in the body.
The condition can affect the pituitary gland by limiting hormone production, which can lead to hormonal imbalances.
In some patients, it may present similarly to adiposogenital dystrophy with endocrine and metabolic disturbances. Symptoms may include hypertension, severe headaches, fatigue, decreased libido, and irregular menstruation or absent periods.
The pituitary gland unspecified code may be used when documentation lacks specificity about the exact nature of the pituitary involvement.
Empty sella syndrome is a rare condition and is generally not life-threatening.

Synonyms include

Abscess of pituitary
Disorder of posterior pituitary
Pituitary deficiency due to empty sella turcica syndrome
Empty sella syndrome
Secondary hypothalamic insufficiency

Commonly asked questions

What exactly is "empty sella" in empty sella syndrome (ESS)?

"Empty sella" refers to a radiological finding where the pituitary gland appears flattened or shrunk, making the sella turcica—a saddle-shaped bony structure at the base of the skull—look empty on imaging scans. However, the sella turcica is not truly empty; it is filled with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). This flattening or shrinking of the pituitary gland can occur due to primary causes, such as a congenital defect in the diaphragma sellae, or secondary causes, such as trauma, surgery, or radiation therapy.

Is empty sella syndrome always symptomatic?

No, empty sella syndrome is not always symptomatic. Many cases, especially primary ESS, are asymptomatic and discovered incidentally during imaging for other conditions. When symptoms do occur, they may include headaches, vision problems, or hormone imbalances due to pituitary dysfunction.

Can empty sella syndrome affect fertility?

Yes, empty sella syndrome can affect fertility if it leads to pituitary dysfunction and hormonal imbalances. The pituitary gland regulates hormones essential for reproductive health, such as those controlling ovulation and sperm production. If ESS results in hypopituitarism or abnormal hormone levels in glands like the ovaries or testicles, fertility issues may arise.