[Pituitary stalk transection syndrome]

Obesity, Overweight, and Pituitary Stalk Interruption Syndrome in Children and Young Adults

CONTEXT

Pituitary stalk interruption syndrome (PSIS) is rare in the pediatric population. It combines ectopic posterior pituitary stalk interruption and anterior pituitary hypoplasia with hormonal deficiencies. The phenotype is highly heterogeneous and obesity/overweight seems to be underreported in the literature.

OBJECTIVE

To identify patients with PSIS and obesity or overweight, describe their phenotype, and compare them with patients with PSIS without overweight/obesity.

METHODS

Sixty-nine children and young adults with PSIS in a Toulouse cohort from 1984 to 2019 were studied. We identified 25 obese or overweight patients (OB-OW group), and 44 were nonobese/overweight (NO group). Then the groups were compared.

RESULTS

All cases were sporadic. The sex ratio was 1.6. The main reason for consultation in both groups was growth retardation (61% in OB-OW group, 77% in NO group). History of neonatal hypoglycemia was more common in the OB-OW than in the NO group (57% vs 14%, P = .0008), along with extrapituitary malformations (64% vs 20%, P < 0001). The incidence of caesarean section was higher in the OB-OW group (52%) than in the NO group (23%), although not significant (P = .07).

CONCLUSION

Patients with PSIS who are obese/overweight display interesting phenotypic differences that suggest hypothalamic defects. Studies are needed that include additional information on hormonal levels, particularly regarding oxytocin and ghrelin.

Heterozygous variants in SIX3 and POU1F1 cause pituitary hormone deficiency in mouse and man

Congenital hypopituitarism is a genetically heterogeneous condition that is part of a spectrum disorder that can include holoprosencephaly. Heterozygous mutations in SIX3 cause variable holoprosencephaly in humans and mice. We identified two children with neonatal hypopituitarism and thin pituitary stalk who were doubly heterozygous for rare, likely deleterious variants in the transcription factors SIX3 and POU1F1. We used genetically engineered mice to understand the disease pathophysiology. Pou1f1 loss-of-function heterozygotes are unaffected; Six3 heterozygotes have pituitary gland dysmorphology and incompletely ossified palate; and the Six3+/-; Pou1f1+/dw double heterozygote mice have a pronounced phenotype, including pituitary growth through the palate. The interaction of Pou1f1 and Six3 in mice supports the possibility of digenic pituitary disease in children. Disruption of Six3 expression in the oral ectoderm completely ablated anterior pituitary development, and deletion of Six3 in the neural ectoderm blocked the development of the pituitary stalk and both anterior and posterior pituitary lobes. Six3 is required in both oral and neural ectodermal tissues for the activation of signaling pathways and transcription factors necessary for pituitary cell fate. These studies clarify the mechanism of SIX3 action in pituitary development and provide support for a digenic basis for hypopituitarism.

Trauma and thyroid-stimulating hormone abnormalities in pediatric patients

Background

There is limited literature on trauma and endocrine abnormalities in the pediatric trauma setting.

Aim

We studied demographic, medical history, injury experience, and mortality factors to determine their association with abnormal thyroid-stimulating hormone in pediatric trauma patients.

Methods

The 414 pediatric trauma patients were from those seen at an emergency department. The primary outcome variable was abnormal thyroid-stimulating hormone. Secondary outcome variables were abnormal high and abnormal low thyroid-stimulating hormone. Predictor variables were demographics (age, sex, race/ethnicity, body mass index), medical history (thyroid disease, diabetes mellitus, autoimmune disease, psychiatric disease), injury experience (injury cause, injury severity score ≥ 15, moderate/severe traumatic brain injury, length of stay), and mortality (mortality, survival probability). Multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted.

Results

There were 8.0% ( n = 33) with any abnormal thyroid-stimulating hormone value. In the analysis for abnormal thyroid-stimulating hormone, females (odds ratio:4.95, 95% confidence interval: 2.01, 12.21, p < 0.01) and traumatic brain injury (odds ratio: 8.11, 95% confidence interval: 2.51, 26.16, p < 0.001) were each significantly associated with increased odds. In the analysis for abnormal high thyroid-stimulating hormone (odds ratio: 3.75, 95% confidence interval: 1.37, 10.24, p < 0.05), traumatic brain injury (odds ratio: 11.59, 95% confidence interval: 3.45, 38.97, p < 0.001), and mortality (odds ratio: 35.59, 95% confidence interval: 1.40, 906.57, p < 0.05) were each significantly associated with increased odds. In the analysis for abnormal low thyroid-stimulating hormone, only females (odds ratio: 11.10, 95% confidence interval: 1.26, 97.60, p < 0.05) were significantly associated with increased odds.

Conclusion

In conclusion, females and traumatic brain injury have increased odds for abnormal thyroid-stimulating hormone. Mortality has increased odds for abnormal high thyroid-stimulating hormone. We suggest that clinicians in the pediatric trauma setting carefully monitor females and traumatic brain injury patients with abnormal thyroid-stimulating hormone.

[Legal redress in relation to physical injury due to post-traumatic anterior pituitary insufficiency]

L'insuffisance antéhypophysaire post-traumatique (IAHPT) est une pathologie exceptionnelle mais de réalité certaine résultant des lésions ischémiques lors des traumatismes crâniens (TC) sévères. L'objectif est de préciser à partir d'une étude de cas les critères d'imputabilité de l'IAHPT suite au (TC) ainsi que les spécificités relatifs à sa réparation juridique. C'est une étude médico-légale d'un cas d'IAHPT, diagnostiqué et suivi au service d'endocrinologie et de médecine légale du CHU de Sousse (Tunisie). Il s'agit d'une femme âgée de 45 ans, sans antécédents pathologiques (6 gestes, 4 parités et 2 avortements) ayant un cycle menstruel régulier, sans notion d'accouchement hémorragique, qui a été victime d'un accident de la voie publique (piétonne, heurtée puis renversée par une voiture) occasionnant un TC avec point d'impact occipital sans perte de connaissance initiale; ayant présenté trois ans après l'accident, une hypothyroïdie. L'exploration hormonale rapporte l'atteinte de tous les autres axes. L'exploration neuroradiologique retrouve une intégrité de l'hypophyse et de la tige. Le diagnostic définitif est l'IAHPT. L'expertise médicale (faite 4 ans après l'accident) a conclue à l'imputabilité de l'IAHPT à l'accident. Le taux d'incapacité partielle permanente IIP en droit commun a été évalué à 25%. L'IAHPT est un diagnostic d'élimination. L'évaluation du dommage corporel doit tenir compte des symptômes résiduels, contraintes thérapeutiques et répercussions sur l'activité quotidienne et professionnelle. L'évolution sous hormonothérapie de substitution est souvent favorable, cependant, elle peut être émaillée de complications, d'où l'obligation d'établir des réserves préservant ainsi le droit du patient à une nouvelle révision.

Thyrotrophic status in patients with pituitary stalk interruption syndrome

Pituitary stalk interruption syndrome (PSIS) is associated with simultaneous or subsequent pituitary hormone deficiencies (PHDs). Although the clinical features of multiple PHDs are well known, the status of the thyrotrophic axis in PSIS has not been thoroughly investigated.The clinical data of 89 PSIS patients and 34 Sheehan syndrome (SS) patients were retrospectively analyzed.The prevalence of central hypothyroidism in the PSIS patients and the SS patients was 79.8% and 70.6%, respectively. The thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels in the PSIS patients were significantly higher in comparison with the SS patients (5.13 ± 3.40 vs 1.67 ± 1.20 mU/L, P < .05). TSH elevation (8.79 ± 3.17 mU/L) was noticed in 29 of 71 (40.85%) hypothyroid PSIS patients but not in the 24 hypothyroid SS patients. The TSH levels in the hypothyroid PSIS patients were significantly higher in comparison with the euthyroid PSIS patients (5.42 ± 3.67 vs 3.66 ± 1.50 mU/L). Thyroid hormone replacement significantly reduced the TSH levels in the PSIS patients with elevated TSH levels from 7.24 ± 0.98 to 1.67 ± 1.51 mU/L (P < .05). The logistic regression analysis suggested that TSH level was not significantly associated with pituitary stalk status and height of the anterior pituitary gland.PSIS is a newly recognized cause of central hypothyroidism. The proportion and amplitude of TSH elevations are higher in PSIS than in other causes of central hypothyroidism.

[Late-onset pituitary stalk interruption syndrome (PSIS)]

Pituitary stalk interruption syndrome is a fairly common cause of the deficiency of Growth Hormone and hypopituitarism often revealed in the neonatal period and childhood. This observation illustrates the peculiarities of a late clinical onset of this syndrome. We report a case of a 17-year-old patient hospitalized for primary amenorrhoea and impuberism. She had no history of neonatal incident. Clinical examination revealed severe growth retardation Hypophysiogramme showed complete hypopituitarism without diabetes insipidus. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed pituitary stalk interruption and an ectopic posterior pituitary gland. Kidney malformation was objectified, which is in favour of a congenital malformative origin of this syndrome. Hormone replacement was administered to this patient. This late-onset form emphasizes the need for early diagnosis of impuberism and/or stunting, revealing a potentially very serious pathology.

Traumatic panhypopituitarism resulting in acute adrenal crisis

Pituitary function plays an integral role in the physiologic response to traumatic injury. A significant proportion of trauma patients develop partial pituitary insufficiency. While isolated deficiencies of individual pituitary hormones are common, there are few reports in the literature of traumatic pan-pituitary failure with deficiency of all major pituitary hormones. We present a case of a patient involved in a motorcycle accident who sustained a sella turcica fracture, epidural hemorrhage, subdural hemorrhage, optic nerve palsy, and bilateral abducens nerve palsies. Three days after the accident, the patient became hypotensive and progressed to cardiopulmonary arrest. He was resuscitated and had spontaneous return of circulation. Despite adequate fluid resuscitation and vasopressor support, he remained profoundly hypotensive. Following administration of hydrocortisone, his blood pressures dramatically improved. He was found to have laboratory abnormalities, suggesting deficiencies of corticotropins, somatotropins, thyrotropins, gonadotropins, prolactin, and antidiuretic hormone. This is the first reported case of a patient with traumatic total panhypopituitarism complicated by acute adrenal crises during initial postinjury hospitalization. A review of the literature with comparison with other studies of trauma patients with deficiencies in five or more axes is presented. A high level of suspicion for central adrenal insufficiency and prompt administration of corticosteroids in the setting of symptomatic pituitary trauma can result in favorable outcomes. Screening for and treating posttraumatic hypopituitarism can result in improved rehabilitation and increased quality of life for trauma patients.

Pituitary stalk interruption syndrome in Chinese people: clinical characteristic analysis of 55 cases

OBJECTIVE

Pituitary stalk interruption syndrome (PSIS) is characterized by the absence of pituitary stalk, pituitary hypoplasia, and ectopic posterior pituitary. Due to the rarity of PSIS, clinical data are limited, especially in Chinese people. Herein, we analyzed the clinical characteristics of patients diagnosed with PSIS from our center over 10 years.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed the clinical manifestations and laboratory and MRI findings in 55 patients with PSIS.

RESULTS

Of the 55 patients with PSIS, 48 (87.3%) were male. The average age was 19.7±6.7 years and there was no familial case. A history of breech delivery was documented in 40 of 45 patients (88.9%) and 19 of 55 patients (34.5%) had a history of dystocia. Short stature was found in 47 of 55 patients (85.5%) and bone age delayed 7.26±5.37 years. Secondary sex characteristics were poor or undeveloped in most patients. The prevalence of deficiencies in growth hormone, gonadotropins, corticotropin, and thyrotropin were 100%, 95.8%, 81.8%, 76.3%, respectively. Hyperprolactinemia was found in 36.4% of patients. Three or more pituitary hormone deficiencies were found in 92.7% of the patients. All patients had normal posterior pituitary function and absent pituitary stalk on imaging. The average height of anterior pituitary was 28 mm, documented anterior pituitary hypoplasia. Midline abnormalities were presented in 9.1% of patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The clinical features of our Chinese PSIS patients seem to be different from other reported patients in regarding to the higher degree of hypopituitarism and lower prevalence of midline defects. In addition, our patients were older at the time of case detection and the bone age was markedly delayed. We also had no cases of familial PSIS.

The pituitary stalk transection syndrome: multifaceted presentation in adulthood

The pituitary stalk transection syndrome was characterized after introducing the MRI scan in the evaluation of children with hypopituitarism. Its prevalence and natural history into adulthood have not been clearly established. We present 4 cases of stalk transection syndrome diagnosed by the adult endocrinologist that reflect its pleiotropic manifestations. In all cases, MRI showed pathognomonic findings with small anterior pituitary, diminutive or absent infundibulum and ectopic posterior pituitary at the median eminence. Clinical presentation occurred in childhood or the second decade of life. The hormonal deficits were variable in severity and onset, with adrenal insufficiency diagnosed in the second and forth decade in three patients, and absent in another. Growth hormone deficiency was diagnosed before age 10 in three cases and at age 20 in one case with normal spontaneous linear growth. Hypothyroidism had onset in the first or second decade of life and hypogonadism was diagnosed during work-up for lack of pubertal development in all cases. The pituitary stalk transection syndrome should be considered in patients who were previously thought to have idiopathic GH deficiency or multiple pituitary hormone deficiencies. Presence of MRI characteristics compatible with the pituitary stalk transection syndrome should prompt a full pituitary hormonal evaluation. Long-term follow-up by the adult endocrinologist is warranted as new hormone deficiencies might appear later in life.

Anterior hypopituitarism following traumatic brain injury

PRIMARY OBJECTIVES

To review evidence that there exists a substantial sub-population of patients with endocrine disorders as a result of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and to underscore the importance of screening patients with TBI considered most at risk for hypopituitarism with the goal of attaining beneficial effects in terms of morbidity and quality of life.

DESIGN AND METHODS

Reviewed recent literature regarding the frequency of TBI-induced hypopituitarism.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND RESULTS

Studies by Kelly DF, Gaw Gonzalo IT, Cohan P, et al. Hypopituitarism following traumatic brain injury and aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: A preliminary report. Journal of Neurosurgery 2000;93:743-751, Lieberman SA, Oberoi AL, Gilkison CR, et al. Prevalence of neuroendocrine dysfunction in patients recovering from traumatic brain injury. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism 2001;86:2752-2756 and Aimaretti G, Ambrosio MR, Di Somma C, et al. Traumatic brain injury and subarachnoid haemorrhage are conditions at high risk for hypopituitarism. Screening study at 3 months after the brain injury, In press., found that about one-half to one-third of patients with TBI had anterior pituitary hormone deficiencies, including growth hormone (GH) deficiency in 15-21%, and subtle deficiencies in thyroid, adrenal and gonadal axes. One or more hormonal deficiencies produce diverse physical and psychological symptoms that may mimic symptoms attributed to brain trauma and may impair rehabilitation. A more general concern is the fact that hypopituitarism increases the risk of significant morbidity (e.g. ischaemic heart disease) and mortality (shortened life span).

CONCLUSIONS

To attain maximal improvement in mental and physical functioning as well as in quality of life for victims of TBI, it is crucial that anterior pituitary hormonal function be assessed. Appropriate hormone replacement therapy for those patients with both TBI and TBI-induced pituitary function impairment could, for the first time, allow treatment and correction of underlying causes of TBI sequelae rather than merely symptomatic treatment.

Gonadotrophic status in adolescents with pituitary stalk interruption syndrome

OBJECTIVE

Pituitary stalk interruption syndrome (PSIS) is a frequent cause of GH deficiency (GHD) and is commonly associated with other PH deficiencies (PHDs). Although previous reports have correlated multiple PHDs with severe anatomical lesions, the status of the gonadotrophic axis has not yet been thoroughly analysed.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 27 patients (15 males, 12 females) with GHD and PSIS defined by MRI findings. The status of the gonadotrophic axis was evaluated in children who were at least 14.5 years (boys) or 13 years (girls).

RESULTS

Out of 27 patients, five displayed spontaneous full pubertal development with normal hormonal values at the final evaluation, whereas 22 of 27 patients (81%) had complete (n = 18) or partial pubertal deficiency. Three girls had primary amenorrhoea with normal gonadotrophin values, raising the possibility of subtle disturbances of gonadotrophin pulsatility. Of the 21 patients with TSH or ACTH deficiency, 17 (81%) had complete gonadotrophin deficiency. Two of our six patients with apparently isolated GHD during childhood had gonadotrophin deficiency. Cryptorchidism was present at birth in six boys (40%). Of these six boys, one had normal pubertal development. Ten of 11 boys with micropenis at birth had gonadotrophin deficiency.

CONCLUSIONS

Gonadotrophin deficiency is a common finding in adolescents with PSIS and is frequently associated with other PHDs. However its severity is variable, ranging from complete gonadotrophin deficiency to normogonadotrophic amenorrhoea. The occurrence of gonadotrophin deficiency in 33% of children with apparently isolated GHD and PSIS has important implications for the counselling and follow-up of these patients.

The effects of head trauma on hypothalamic-pituitary function in children and adolescents

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Endocrine dysfunctions have been increasingly recognized following traumatic brain injury. Ever more numerous studies on acute head-injured adults have also raised concern about this risk in children and adolescents who have experienced head injury. The current review of the pediatric literature summarizes recent findings on acute-phase dysfunction and traumatic brain injury-associated hypopituitarism.

RECENT FINDINGS

The pathophysiologic mechanisms underlying acute-phase hyponatremic and hypernatremic disorders have been elucidated. Prospective studies on traumatic brain injury-associated hypopituitarism in pediatric patients are ongoing and preliminary data are available.

SUMMARY

Traumatic brain injury, a 'silent epidemic' that carries a considerable burden of disabilities, leads to a variety of endocrine dysfunctions in 28-69% of adult acute head-injured patients. In the acute posttraumatic phase, adrenal insufficiency and electrolyte disorders are critical conditions. Neurosurgical patients, particularly those prone to neurological damage, require prompt diagnosis. Hypopituitarism may be diagnosed months or years after a traumatic brain injury event. Since growth hormone and gonadotropin secretion are most frequently compromised, careful follow-up of growth and pubertal development is mandatory in children hospitalized for traumatic brain injury.

Traumatic brain injury induced hypothalamic-pituitary dysfunction: a paediatric perspective

In survivors of traumatic brain injury (TBI), impairment in anterior pituitary hormone function may be an important cause of long-term morbidity. Histopathological evidence from post-mortem studies suggests that the hypothalamic-pituitary structures are vulnerable to damage following head injury. Pituitary dysfunction, present months or years after injury, is now well recognised in adults, however, little evidence is known about this potential complication in children and adolescents. This article reviews the available paediatric data, which shows that hypopituitarism may occur after both mild and severe TBI, with growth hormone and gonadotrophin deficiencies appearing to be most common abnormalities. Central precocious puberty has also been documented. There are, however, few published data within a population of children with TBI on the incidence or prevalence of hypopituitarism, nor on its natural history or response to hormone replacement, and prospective studies are needed. Given the critical role of anterior pituitary hormones in the regulation of growth, pubertal and neurocognitive development in childhood, early detection of hormone abnormalities following TBI is important. We propose that a multidisciplinary approach to follow-up and endocrine assessment is required for the long-term management and rehabilitation of children and adolescents who survive moderate to severe head injury.

Anomalies de la tige pituitaire à l’IRM : aspects étiologiques à propos de 11 cas

Newer techniques of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) describe more accurately pituitary stalk abnormalities such as infections, infiltrative lesions and tumors. In absence of all the above mentioned etiological factors, genetics defects are suspected, mainly when other malformations are equally present. We attempt to show through 11 observations the variability of pathologies involving the pituitary stalk with their respective clinical and radiological features and associated endocrine abnormalities. This is a retrospective study of 7 men (67%) and 4 women (33%), mean age of 28 year (range: 15 to 53) in whom pituitary MRI was performed for hypopituitarism, diabetes insipidus or hyperprolactinemia. Three patients had brain MRI for an extra-pituitary condition. The pituitary MRI showed a stalk section in 3 cases (27%), atrophy in 1 case and thickening in 7 cases (67%). The pituitary stalk anomaly was associated with hyperprolactinemia in 3 cases (27%), central diabetes insipidus in 4 cases (36%), growth hormone deficiency in 4 cases (36%), adrenal insufficiency in 5 cases (45%), hypogonadism in 5 cases (45%) and hypothyroidism in one case (9%). Established diagnoses were: sellar metastasis in 2 cases (18%), Langerhans' histocytosis, tuberculosis and autoimmune hypophysitis respectively in 3 cases (9%). In 6 cases (54%), no clear etiology was found. Given the multitude of pituitary stalk pathologies, a detailed etiologic inquiry must be performed in order to detect elements able to reclassify an initially idiopathic disorder.

The importance of investigation of pituitary function in children and adolescents following traumatic brain injury

It is now widely accepted that brain injuries are often the cause of acquired hypopituitarism in adulthood. The information about the pituitary function in brain-injured children and adolescence is however scanty. An international workshop entitled "Traumatic brain injury and hypopituitarism" was held on 9-10 April 2006 in Granada, Spain, in order to explore the relatively unknown but potentially important field of investigation, diagnosis and treatment of pituitary deficiency in children and adolescents following traumatic brain injury (TBI). The following conclusions were reached: 1) a prospective pediatric and adolescent study of pituitary function was indicated; 2) close collaboration among neurosurgeons, neurologists, rehabilitation specialists and pediatric endocrinologists, with support from adult endocrinologists, is essential to achieve a coordinated approach to the care of children after TBI; 3) a model of interaction, similar to that now existing with oncologists, needs to be established; 4) a "pediatric TBI late-effects" service should be created, preferably led by endocrinologists, so that knowledge of growth and puberty can be included, in order to optimize identification, investigation and treatment of this important group of patients.

Long-Term Evolution of Endocrine Disorders and Effect of GH Therapy in 35 Patients with Pituitary Stalk Interruption Syndrome

We report long-term evolution of endocrine functions and the results of GH treatment in 35 patients (26 male and 9 female) with pituitary stalk interruption. At diagnosis, mean chronological age was 4.8 +/- 2.7 years, mean SDS for height -3.1 +/- 0.8 with a bone age retardation of 2.3 +/- 1.3 years and a mean SDS for growth velocity of -0.5 +/- 1.1; 80% presented complete GH deficiency (GHD) and 20% partial GHD; thyroid deficiency was present in 47.1% of children with complete GHD but absent in all partial GHD. Diagnosis was made during the first months of life in only 2 patients while 23% presented with severe neonatal distress; neonatal signs were only observed in the group with pituitary height below 2 mm (45.7% of patients). GHD was isolated in 40.6% of patients below 10 years while multiple hormone deficiencies was consistent at completion of growth in all patients. Height gain was significantly higher in patients who started GH treatment before 4 years (p = 0.002). GH treatment is very effective: in 13 patients, final height was -0.4 +/- 1.0, total height gain 3.2 +/- 1.2 and distance to target height -0.3 +/- 1.6 SDS.

Histiocytose langerhansienne multiviscérale associée à un syndrome d'interruption de la tige pituitaire

Clinical manifestations of hypothalamic-pituitary Langerhans'cell histiocytosis are commonly, diabetes insipidus and sometimes growth hormone deficiency. Their morphologic characteristics on magnetic resonance imaging are absence of posterior pituitary hyperintensity and thickening of the pituitary stalk. Pituitary stalk transection is characterized on magnetic resonance imaging by the absence of pituitary stalk visibility, hypoplasia of the anterior hypophysis and ectopic posterior pituitary hyperintense signal. This syndrome has been shown to be associated with either isolated growth hormone deficiency or multiple anterior pituitary hormone deficiency, but normal posterior pituitary function.

CASE REPORT

We report our experience with a six-year-old boy who had been treated for three years for a multisystem Langerhans'cell histiocytosis with diabetes insipidus and who was admitted because of short stature. Endocrinological examinations demonstrated a profound growth hormone deficiency and a partial central hypocorticism. Magnetic resonance imaging showed pituitary stalk transection and a midline anomaly of the brain (Arnold Chiari type I malformation).

CONCLUSION

Although, some events of his perinatal history lead to the hypothesis of a malformative origin, the progression of Langerhans' cell histiocytosis affected tissues to fibrosis, suggest that this disease is the cause of the patient's hypothalamohypophyseal lesions.