Neuroradiological findings in hypogonadotropic hypogonadism

Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (HH) is a clinical hallmark of a heterogeneous group of acquired and inherited diseases. Patients with HH undergo brain imaging in order to investigate morphological or signal abnormalities at the level of the hypothalamic-pituitary structures. The presence of tumors, lesions or atrophy might be the explanation of the hormone dysfunction. Nonetheless, in most patients both the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland appear normal. In some cases, the presence of ancillary, not necessarily HH-related brain abnormalities might provide significant clues on the underlying condition. We addressed those conditions associated with HH subdividing them into acquired or inherited diseases, highlighting the neuroradiologic features that might help in the diagnosis.