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Duplication of the hypophysis
M Burke1, S Zinkovsky, M A Abrantes
1Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Pediatrics and Division of Endocrinology, Driscoll Childrens Hospital, Corpus Christi, Tex., USA. mjbbs@worldnet.att.net
Pediatric Neurosurgery
|November 9, 2000
Summary
Pituitary gland duplication can occur without major facial abnormalities, challenging previous theories on its cause. This finding suggests notochord/prochordal plate deficits may not be essential for this rare condition.
Area of Science:
- Developmental biology
- Neuroendocrinology
- Medical imaging
Background:
- Pituitary gland duplication is a rare congenital anomaly.
- Previous cases often presented with significant facial or oral malformations.
- The embryogenesis of the pituitary gland is complex and not fully understood.
Observation:
- An 11-year-old girl presented with anosmia and hypertelorism.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) incidentally revealed duplication of the pituitary gland, with separate stalks and hypothalamic enlargement.
- A tortuous fusiform dilatation of a pericallosal artery was also noted.
Findings:
- This case represents the third documented instance of pituitary duplication without major associated dysmorphic features.
- The presence of two distinct pituitary glands and stalks was confirmed.
- Hypothalamic enlargement was observed alongside the duplicated pituitary.
Implications:
- The findings suggest that pituitary duplication can occur in isolation, without other major congenital anomalies.
- This challenges the long-held hypothesis that notochord/prochordal plate deficits are a prerequisite for hypophyseal duplication.
- Further research into pituitary embryogenesis is warranted to elucidate the mechanisms behind isolated duplication.