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Dorsoventral splitting of the infundibulum in a child with pituitary hypoplasia

John P Welby1, Ajay A Madhavan1, Norbert G Campeau1

  • 1Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, 200 1st St. SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA.

Radiology Case Reports
|June 19, 2023
PubMed

Insights

This case study details an 18-month-old with short stature and growth hormone deficiency, revealing pituitary developmental abnormalities on MRI. Findings include a thin, split pituitary stalk and ectopic posterior pituitary, offering insights into pituitary development disorders.

Area of Science:

  • Developmental Biology
  • Endocrinology
  • Neuroimaging

Background:

  • Pituitary development involves anterior (adenohypophysis) and posterior (neurohypophysis) components originating from distinct embryonic tissues.
  • Disruptions in pituitary development can cause significant hormonal imbalances and endocrine dysfunction.
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is crucial for diagnosing pituitary abnormalities and related structural issues.

Observation:

  • An 18-month-old female presented with short stature and growth hormone deficiency.
  • MRI revealed a shallow sella turcica, hypoplastic adenohypophysis, thin pituitary stalk, and ectopic neurohypophysis.
  • A unique finding was a dorsoventrally split pituitary stalk with a divided pituitary bright spot.

Findings:

  • The MRI findings suggest a rare developmental anomaly of the pituitary gland.
  • The split pituitary stalk and ectopic posterior pituitary are associated with the patient's hormonal deficiencies.
  • The split bright spot may indicate a separation of posterior pituitary lobes.

Implications:

  • This case highlights the importance of detailed pituitary MRI in evaluating pediatric endocrine disorders.
  • Understanding these developmental variations aids in diagnosing and managing growth and hormonal deficiencies.
  • Further research into pituitary stalk development anomalies can improve diagnostic accuracy and therapeutic strategies.

Keywords:
Ectopic adenohypophysisPituitary bright spotSplit infundibulum

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