HomeAnswersNeurologyempty sella syndromeWhy does my CAT scan show cerebral volume loss, frontal lobe predominance, and empty sella despite taking medications?

What do cerebral volume loss, frontal lobe predominance, and empty sella in a CAT scan indicate?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

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Published At May 30, 2023
Reviewed AtMay 30, 2023

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I am 51 years old. I underwent a CAT scan both with and without contrast dye. I received my CAT scan results and am worried about the findings. It showed mild cerebral volume loss with frontal lobe predominance and probable incidental partially empty sella. I am scared about the volume loss. The scan was done because I had unexplained cyclic vomiting syndrome. I am currently taking Depakote, Atarax, Wellbutrin, Compazine or Promethazine for nausea, Nascort, and Klonopin as needed. What could be the reason?

Kindly help.

Answered by Dr. Aida Abaz Quka

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Thank you for your query.

I understand your concern and would explain that this could be a non-significant radiological finding. I do not think that your cyclic vomiting is related to these findings. Empty sella can cause headaches, while frontal brain atrophy and substance loss can lead to depression or memory problems. Do you have any of these symptoms? I suggest you consult with a neurologist and perform some cognitive tests if you have noticed any memory problems. Otherwise, there is no reason to worry about it.

I hope this has helped you.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Thank you for the reply.

I have depression, but I have had it throughout my whole life.

Kindly help.

Answered by Dr. Aida Abaz Quka

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Thank you for the information. Coming to this point, I do not think that you should worry about it. As you have been suffering from depression for years and have no memory problems, we can exclude frontotemporal dementia which could explain these findings. In my opinion, these findings could be just a normal radiological variation. For this reason, I would recommend a follow-up with an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) of the brain after a year to investigate for possible progression of these findings.

I hope this has helped you.

Thank you.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Aida Abaz Quka
Dr. Aida Abaz Quka

Neurology

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