Sheehan's syndrome. A descriptive study of 4 cases at the main hospital of Dakar

Sheehan's syndrome or postpartum anterior pituitary necrosis results in pan hypopituitarism. This is an ischemic necrosis of the anterior pituitary gland secondary to a state of sudden shock during a postpartum hemorrhage. It is a serious complication of the postpartum period. Advances in obstetric care in developed countries have reduced the incidence of this disease. In black Africa its frequency is unknown with a few reported cases. The authors report 4 cases of Sheehan's syndrome treated at the Hôpital Principal de Dakar. This is a retrospective study carried out in the medical departments of the main hospital of Dakar over 5 years. Secondary amenorrhea of variable duration 1 to 10 years was noted in 3 patients. Clinical presentation consisted of a worsening in the general condition in all patients. Low cortisol levels were noted in most patients associated with an empty sella turcica on pituitary MRI. The outcome was favorable under treatment.