Progress in investigating pituitary stalk lesions: A review

Pituitary stalk lesions are uncommon and are typically identified through pituitary magnetic resonance imaging and screening for causes of diabetes insipidus. Recent literature indicates that pituitary stalk lesions primarily manifest as pituitary stalk interruption syndrome and thickening of the pituitary stalk. The etiology of these lesions is complex and can be divided into major categories: congenital disorders, inflammatory or infectious diseases, and tumors. Therefore, achieving accurate diagnosis, differential diagnosis, and treatment for pituitary stalk lesions is crucial. This article aims to classify pituitary stalk lesions and delve into the latest research on their etiology, pathological mechanisms, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and treatment of associated diseases.