Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 19, 2026
07:43
Endoscopic Endonasal Trans-sphenoidal Approach: Minimally Invasive Surgery for Pituitary Adenomas
Published on: January 17, 2018
18.8K
Progress in investigating pituitary stalk lesions: A review
Zaidong Zhang1, Jinlin Wang2, Yaru Shi2
1Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, P.R. China.
Medicine
|January 10, 2025
Summary
Pituitary stalk lesions are rare, often presenting as interruption or thickening. Understanding their diverse causes—congenital, inflammatory, or tumors—is key for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Neuroimaging
- Pathology
Background:
- Pituitary stalk lesions are uncommon findings on pituitary MRI.
- They often present as pituitary stalk interruption syndrome or thickening.
- Commonly associated with diabetes insipidus.
Purpose of the Study:
- To classify pituitary stalk lesions.
- To review the latest research on etiology, pathology, and clinical manifestations.
- To discuss diagnosis and treatment strategies for associated diseases.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent studies on pituitary stalk lesions.
- Classification based on etiology: congenital, inflammatory/infectious, and tumors.
- Analysis of diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.
Main Results:
- Pituitary stalk lesions have complex and varied etiologies.
- Accurate diagnosis and differential diagnosis are critical.
- Manifestations include pituitary stalk interruption and thickening.
Conclusions:
- A comprehensive understanding of pituitary stalk lesions is essential.
- Classification aids in differential diagnosis and management.
- Further research into etiology and treatment is warranted.
Related Concept Videos
01:17The Pituitary Gland
The pituitary is a small endocrine organ in the sphenoid bone under the hypothalamus. Primarily, the pituitary in adults has two distinct anatomical and functional regions— the anterior and posterior lobes. During human fetal development, a third pituitary gland region called the pars intermedia atrophies and disappears. However, some of its cells migrate and exist adjacent to the anterior pituitary in adults.
01:26Cushing Syndrome I: Introduction
Cushing syndrome refers to the collection of clinical manifestations that arise when tissues are exposed to excessive amounts of cortisol or cortisol-like medications over an extended period. Cortisol, a glucocorticoid produced by the adrenal cortex, regulates metabolism, immune responses, and the body’s adaptation to stress. When its concentration remains chronically elevated, these physiological pathways become dysregulated, resulting in the characteristic features of the syndrome.Exogenous...
01:19Cushing Syndrome II: Pathophysiology
Cortisol production is normally governed by the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis, which maintains hormonal balance through tightly regulated feedback mechanisms. Disruption of this regulatory system is central to the development of Cushing syndrome, whether the excess cortisol originates from external medications or internal pathology. Persistent cortisol elevation alters metabolism, immune function, and endocrine signaling, producing the characteristic clinical features of the...