Pituitary gland and axial skeletal malformations in human fetuses with spina bifida

The purpose of the present study was to describe the pituitary gland and axial skeleton, including the sella turcica, in human fetuses with spina bifida. Ten fetuses with gestational ages (GA) 15 1/2-28 weeks were investigated radiographically (Faxitron X-ray apparatus) and immunohistochemically. Four of the fetuses have been described previously. The study showed that nine fetuses had minor or no skeletal abnormalities in the vertebral bodies of the spine, and one fetus had severely malformed vertebral bodies. In all cases the sella turcica and the pituitary gland were malformed. Adenopituitary tissue was in all cases located in both the sella turcica and the pharyngeal submucosa. The most severe sella turcica/pituitary gland malformation was seen in the fetus with the malformed spine. The connection between the prenatally registered sella turcica/pituitary gland malformation and the endocrinological status of children with spina bifida should be emphasized in future studies.