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Neurohypophyseal ectopy in growth hormone insufficiency
E A Werder1, M Zachmann, W Wichmann
1Children's Hospital, St. Gallen, Switzerland.
Hormone Research
|January 1, 1989
Summary
Nuclear magnetic resonance imaging can identify ectopic posterior pituitary lobe, a rare anomaly. This finding is crucial for diagnosing growth hormone insufficiency in children and avoiding misdiagnosis as a tumor.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Endocrinology
- Pediatric Radiology
Background:
- The hypothalamohypophyseal tract is vital for hormone regulation.
- Ectopic posterior pituitary lobe is a rare congenital anomaly.
Observation:
- Nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) reveals characteristic high signal intensity of ectopic posterior pituitary lobe tissue.
- This imaging finding was observed in two boys presenting with growth hormone insufficiency.
Findings:
- MRI successfully detected and identified ectopic posterior pituitary lobe tissue.
- The anomaly was associated with growth hormone deficiency in the observed cases.
Implications:
- Accurate identification of neurohypophyseal ectopy is essential to prevent misdiagnosis.
- Patients at risk of unnecessary neurosurgery due to misdiagnosis of subhypothalamic tumors can be identified.
- This aids in appropriate clinical management and avoids invasive procedures.