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AlHatmi A, Raniga S, Al Shidhani A, Al-Ajmi E. Partial ectopic posterior pituitary: A rare imaging entity with literature review. Neuroradiol J 2024; 37:636-639. [PMID: 37920914 PMCID: PMC11444324 DOI: 10.1177/19714009231212369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Abnormal development of the posterior pituitary gland can lead to an ectopic location of the neurohypophysis, commonly seen at the median eminence of the hypothalamus or along the infundibular stalk. A partial ectopic posterior pituitary (PEPP) is a very rare variant of the ectopic posterior pituitary, defined as the presence of a double bright spot of neurohypophysis seen in both orthotopic and ectopic locations. We report a two-year-old male toddler with bilateral optic nerve hypoplasia and severe visual impairment who presented to the endocrine outpatient clinic for hypopituitarism evaluation. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain revealed a hypoplastic pituitary gland and infundibulum with a double bright spot of neurohypophysis in the expected normal location and along the median eminence. Severe hypoplasia of both optic nerves and the optic chiasm was also seen. Septum pellucidum was present with no evidence of other brain malformations. The findings are in the septo-optic dysplasia spectrum associated with hypothalamic-pituitary dysfunction and a very rare entity called PEPP. To our knowledge, only a handful of reported cases of this rare entity exist in the literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asma AlHatmi
- Department of Radiology and Molecular Imaging, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman
| | - Sameer Raniga
- Department of Radiology and Molecular Imaging, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman
| | - Azza Al Shidhani
- Department of Child Health, Division of Endocrinology, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman
| | - Eiman Al-Ajmi
- Department of Radiology and Molecular Imaging, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman
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Lyra A, Guimarães DDF, Meira AS, Peixoto GV, Silva TSE, Longui CA, Kochi C, Rocha AJD. Extra-pituitary midline structural abnormalities associated with ectopic posterior pituitary detected on a new rapid MRI protocol (FAST1.2). ARCHIVES OF ENDOCRINOLOGY AND METABOLISM 2022; 66:831-836. [PMID: 35929902 PMCID: PMC10118766 DOI: 10.20945/2359-3997000000505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Objective Test if the MRI FAST1.2 protocol can detect extra-pituitary midline structural brain abnormalities in patients with ectopic posterior pituitary (EPP), and highlighting their radiological-laboratory correlations. Subjects and methods Cross-sectional study of patients with EPP and control group. All individuals were submitted to FAST1.2, which combines the FAST1 protocol developed by our group with 3D T2DRIVE imaging. Results We evaluated 36 individuals with EPP and 78 as control group. Pituitary stalk (PS) was identified in 7/36 patients in EPP group by FAST1, and in 24/36 patients in FAST1.2 (p < 0.001). FAST1 failed to detect PS in one individual in the control group, while the FAST1.2 defined the PS in all individuals. In EPP group, eleven had interhypothalamic adhesion (IHA), three septo-optic dysplasia, and one cerebellar malformation. We didn't observe higher frequency of panhypopituitarism or developmental delay in patients with IHA. In control group, three had pars intermedia cysts, one hydrocephalus, and one hypothalamic hamartoma. Conclusion FAST1.2 allows confident recognition of midline structural abnormalities, including the pituitary stalk and IHA, thereby making MRI acquisition faster and with no need for contrast administration. IHA could be associated with defects in neuronal migration, as occur in patients with EPP, with no clinical significance.
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Abstract
Pituitary stalk interruption syndrome (PSIS) is a distinct developmental defect of the pituitary gland identified by magnetic resonance imaging and characterized by a thin, interrupted, attenuated or absent pituitary stalk, hypoplasia or aplasia of the adenohypophysis, and an ectopic posterior pituitary. The precise etiology of PSIS still remains elusive or incompletely confirmed in most cases. Adverse perinatal events, including breech delivery and hypoxia, were initially proposed as the underlying mechanism affecting the hypothalamic-pituitary axis. Nevertheless, recent findings have uncovered a wide variety of PSIS-associated molecular defects in genes involved in pituitary development, holoprosencephaly (HPE), neural development, and other important cellular processes such as cilia function. The application of whole exome sequencing (WES) in relatively large cohorts has identified an expanded pool of potential candidate genes, mostly related to the Wnt, Notch, and sonic hedgehog signaling pathways that regulate pituitary growth and development during embryogenesis. Importantly, WES has revealed coexisting pathogenic variants in a significant number of patients; therefore, pointing to a multigenic origin and inheritance pattern of PSIS. The disorder is characterized by inter- and intrafamilial variability and incomplete or variable penetrance. Overall, PSIS is currently viewed as a mild form of an expanded HPE spectrum. The wide and complex clinical manifestations include evolving pituitary hormone deficiencies (with variable timing of onset and progression) and extrapituitary malformations. Severe and life-threatening symptomatology is observed in a subset of patients with complete pituitary hormone deficiency during the neonatal period. Nevertheless, most patients are referred later in childhood for growth retardation. Prompt and appropriate hormone substitution therapy constitutes the cornerstone of treatment. Further studies are needed to uncover the etiopathogenesis of PSIS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonis Voutetakis
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Thrace, Greece.
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A new imaging entity consistent with partial ectopic posterior pituitary gland: report of six cases. Pediatr Radiol 2020; 50:107-115. [PMID: 31468085 DOI: 10.1007/s00247-019-04502-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2019] [Revised: 06/30/2019] [Accepted: 08/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Abnormal posterior pituitary development including ectopic location has been associated with endocrine manifestations of anterior pituitary dysfunction. OBJECTIVE We describe an unreported clinical and radiologic entity we call partial ectopic posterior pituitary for which associated endocrine consequences are not known. MATERIALS AND METHODS We selected pediatric head MRI examinations from 2005 to 2017 based on the finding of a double midline sellar and suprasellar bright spot on T1-weighted sequence. Medical history, physical examination, pituitary hormonal profile and bone age evaluation were extracted from the medical record of the selected patients. An experienced pediatric neuroradiologist reviewed head MRIs, which were performed on 3-tesla (T) magnet and included at least sagittal T1-weighted imaging centered on the sella turcica obtained with and without fat suppression. RESULTS In six cases, two midline bright spots were identified on T1-weighted sequences obtained both with and without fat suppression. While one spot was located at the expected site of the neurohypophysis in the posterior sella, the second one was in the region of the median eminence, suggesting partial ectopic posterior pituitary gland. Growth hormone deficiency, either isolated (n=1) or combined with thyroid stimulating hormone deficiency (n=1) was found. None of the children had clinical signs of posterior pituitary dysfunction. CONCLUSION We describe an unreported imaging entity suggesting partial ectopic posterior pituitary gland in six children. Anterior pituitary hormone deficiencies might be detected in those children and long-term follow-up could provide additional information on the development of other pituitary hormone deficiencies.
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Korkmaz H, Karaarslan U, Eraslan C, Atila D, Hazan F, Barışık V, Ata E, Etlik O, Yıldız M, Ozkan B. SCREENING OF PROP-1, LHX2 AND POU1F1 MUTATIONS IN PATIENTS WITH ECTOPIC POSTERIOR PITUITARY GLAND. ACTA ENDOCRINOLOGICA (BUCHAREST, ROMANIA : 2005) 2018; 14:300-306. [PMID: 31149275 PMCID: PMC6525778 DOI: 10.4183/aeb.2018.300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Ectopic posterior pituitary gland (EPP) is usually characterized by an abnormal pituitary stalk and hypoplasia of the anterior hypophysis. The genetic mechanisms involved in the development of EPP remain uncertain. The aim of this study is to determine whether mutations in the three genes, PROP-1, LHX2, and POU1F1, are associated with the risk for and the characteristics of EPP. METHODS In the Endocrinology Outpatient Clinic of "Dr. Behcet Uz" Children's Hospital, 27 patients with EPP were submitted to sequencing analyses of the PROP-1, LHX2, and POU1F1 genes. RESULTS Growth hormone, thyrotropin, corticotropin, gonadotropin, and vasopressin deficiency were observed in 22 (81.5%), 23 (85.2%), 17 (63%), 14 (51.9%), and two (7.4%) patients. Thirteen patients (48.1%) presented with hyperprolactinemia. Fourteen patients (51%) had a history of birth dystocia, and 12 cases (42.1%) had a history of breech presentation. Central nervous system abnormalities included five cases with corpus callosum agenesis, one case with schizencephaly, and one case with Chiari type 1 malformation. We identified a homozygous p.S109* mutation in exon 2 in one male patient with EPP and two different PROP1 gene polymorphisms (A142T or c.109+3 G>A polymorphism) in thirteen patients. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that PROP1 gene abnormalities might explain the genetic mechanisms involved in the development of EPP.
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Affiliation(s)
- H.A. Korkmaz
- “Dr.Behcet Uz” Children Disease and Surgery Training and Research Hospital, Pediatric Endocrinology Clinic, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - U. Karaarslan
- Dokuz Eylul University - Pediatrics Clinic, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - C. Eraslan
- Ege University Medical School - Dept. of Radiology, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - D. Atila
- Izmir Public Health Directorate - Dept. of Family Medicine, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - F. Hazan
- “Dr.Behcet Uz” Children Disease and Surgery Training and Research Hospital - Dept. of Medical Genetics, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - V. Barışık
- Metropol Medicine Center - Dept. of Internal Medicine, Izmir, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - E.S Ata
- Uşak State Hospital - Dept. of Radiology, Uşak, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - O. Etlik
- BURC Molecular Diagnostic Laboratories - Dept. of Medical Genetics, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - M. Yıldız
- “Dr.Behcet Uz” Children Disease and Surgery Training and Research Hospital, Pediatric Endocrinology Clinic, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - B. Ozkan
- “Dr.Behcet Uz” Children Disease and Surgery Training and Research Hospital, Pediatric Endocrinology Clinic, İstanbul, Turkey
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Uday S, Shaw N, Krone R, Kirk J. Hypopituitarism in children with cerebral palsy. Arch Dis Child 2017; 102:559-561. [PMID: 27789461 DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2016-311012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2016] [Accepted: 10/03/2016] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Poor growth and delayed puberty in children with cerebral palsy is frequently felt to be related to malnutrition. Although growth hormone deficiency is commonly described in these children, multiple pituitary hormone deficiency (MPHD) has not been previously reported. We present a series of four children with cerebral palsy who were born before 29 weeks gestation who were referred to the regional endocrinology service, three for delayed puberty and one for short stature, in whom investigations identified MPHD. All patients had a height well below -2 standard deviation score (2nd centile) at presentation and three who had MRI scans had an ectopic posterior pituitary gland. We therefore recommend that the possibility of MPHD should be considered in all children with cerebral palsy and poor growth or delayed puberty. Early diagnosis and treatment is essential to maximise growth and prevent associated morbidity and mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suma Uday
- Department of Endocrinology & Diabetes, Birmingham Children's Hospital, Birmingham, UK
| | - Nick Shaw
- Department of Endocrinology & Diabetes, Birmingham Children's Hospital, Birmingham, UK.,Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Ruth Krone
- Department of Endocrinology & Diabetes, Birmingham Children's Hospital, Birmingham, UK
| | - Jeremy Kirk
- Department of Endocrinology & Diabetes, Birmingham Children's Hospital, Birmingham, UK.,Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
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Di Iorgi N, Morana G, Allegri AEM, Napoli F, Gastaldi R, Calcagno A, Patti G, Loche S, Maghnie M. Classical and non-classical causes of GH deficiency in the paediatric age. Best Pract Res Clin Endocrinol Metab 2016; 30:705-736. [PMID: 27974186 DOI: 10.1016/j.beem.2016.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Growth hormone deficiency (GHD) may result from a failure of hypothalamic GHRH production or release, from congenital disorders of pituitary development, or from central nervous system insults including tumors, surgery, trauma, radiation or infiltration from inflammatory diseases. Idiopathic, isolated GHD is the most common sporadic form of hypopituitarism. GHD may also occur in combination with other pituitary hormone deficiencies, and is often referred to as hypopituitarism, combined pituitary hormone deficiency (CPHD), multiple pituitary hormone deficiency (MPHD) or panhypopituitarism. Children without any identifiable cause of their GHD are commonly labeled as having idiopathic hypopituitarism. MRI imaging is the technique of choice in the diagnosis of children with hypopituitarism. Marked differences in MRI pituitary gland morphology suggest different etiologies of GHD and different prognoses. Pituitary stalk agenesis and ectopic posterior pituitary (EPP) are specific markers of permanent GHD, and patients with these MRI findings show a different clinical and endocrine outcome compared to those with normal pituitary anatomy or hypoplastic pituitary alone. Furthermore, the classic triad of ectopic posterior pituitary gland, pituitary stalk hypoplasia/agenesis, and anterior pituitary gland hypoplasia is generally associated with permanent GHD. T2 DRIVE images aid in the identification of pituitary stalk without the use of contrast medium administration. Future developments in imaging techniques will undoubtedly reveal additional insights. Mutations in a number of genes encoding transcription factors - such as HESX1, SOX2, SOX3, LHX3, LHX4, PROP1, POU1F1, PITX, GLI3, GLI2, OTX2, ARNT2, IGSF1, FGF8, FGFR1, PROKR2, PROK2, CHD7, WDR11, NFKB2, PAX6, TCF7L1, IFT72, GPR161 and CDON - have been associated with pituitary dysfunction and abnormal pituitary gland development; the correlation of genetic mutations to endocrine and MRI phenotypes has improved our knowledge of pituitary development and management of patients with hypopituitarism, both in terms of possible genetic counseling, and of early diagnosis of evolving anterior pituitary hormone deficiencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natascia Di Iorgi
- Department of Pediatrics, Istituto Giannina Gaslini, University of Genova, Genova, Italy; Department of Endocrine Unit, Istituto Giannina Gaslini, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Giovanni Morana
- Neuroradiology Unit, Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy
| | - Anna Elsa Maria Allegri
- Department of Pediatrics, Istituto Giannina Gaslini, University of Genova, Genova, Italy; Department of Endocrine Unit, Istituto Giannina Gaslini, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Flavia Napoli
- Department of Pediatrics, Istituto Giannina Gaslini, University of Genova, Genova, Italy; Department of Endocrine Unit, Istituto Giannina Gaslini, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Roberto Gastaldi
- Department of Pediatrics, Istituto Giannina Gaslini, University of Genova, Genova, Italy; Department of Endocrine Unit, Istituto Giannina Gaslini, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Annalisa Calcagno
- Department of Pediatrics, Istituto Giannina Gaslini, University of Genova, Genova, Italy; Department of Endocrine Unit, Istituto Giannina Gaslini, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Giuseppa Patti
- Department of Pediatrics, Istituto Giannina Gaslini, University of Genova, Genova, Italy; Department of Endocrine Unit, Istituto Giannina Gaslini, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Sandro Loche
- SSD Endocrinologia Pediatrica, Ospedale Pediatrico Microcitemico "A. Cao", Cagliari, Italy
| | - Mohamad Maghnie
- Department of Pediatrics, Istituto Giannina Gaslini, University of Genova, Genova, Italy; Department of Endocrine Unit, Istituto Giannina Gaslini, University of Genova, Genova, Italy.
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Kochi C, Scuderi CGB, Barros L, Ribeiro L, Amadei G, Maruichi MD, da Rocha AJ, Longui CA. High Frequency of Normal Response during GH Stimulation Tests in Patients with Ectopic Posterior Pituitary Gland: A Source of False-Negative Diagnosis of Pituitary Insufficiency. Horm Res Paediatr 2016; 85:119-24. [PMID: 26727501 DOI: 10.1159/000442830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2015] [Accepted: 11/10/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS To report false-negative normal growth hormone (GH) peak response in patients with ectopic posterior pituitary gland (EPP) identified with a simplified magnetic resonance imaging (FAST1-MRI). METHODS We analyzed 75 EPP patients with short stature and reduced growth velocity. Sagittal-T1 imaging (thickness: 2 mm and gap: 0.2 mm) without gadolinium administration was used. A GH peak of ≥5 ng/ml after clonidine or insulin stimulation was considered normal. RESULTS Normal GH response was observed in 15 of 75 (20%) patients [mean (SDS) peak = 8.2 (4.1) ng/ml]. Age at diagnosis [6.5 (3.0) years vs. 7.8 (4.1) years], gender (10 males/5 females vs. 44 males/16 females), pubertal stage (14 prepubertal/1 pubertal vs. 51 prepubertal/7 pubertal), and target height [-0.4 (0.6) vs. -0.4 (0.9)] were recorded. The perinatal history did not differ between responsive and nonresponsive patients. There was a trend to more frequent multiple hormone deficiency in nonresponsive when compared with responsive patients [3/15 (20%) and 31/60 (51.7%), respectively (p = 0.055)]. Height at diagnosis was lower in nonresponsive patients (p = 0.042). No significant difference in the IGF1 levels (p = 0.598) was observed between the groups. CONCLUSION Normal GH values after stimulation tests do not exclude EPP-associated GH deficiency. A simplified fast acquisition sagittal-T1 MRI protocol investigation included at the initial diagnostic approach is able to prevent misdiagnosis of GH deficiency in patients with short stature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristiane Kochi
- Pediatric Endocrinology Unit, Santa Casa de Sx00E3;o Paulo, Sx00E3;o Paulo, Brazil
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Pampanini V, Pedicelli S, Gubinelli J, Scirè G, Cappa M, Boscherini B, Cianfarani S. Brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging as First-Line Investigation for Growth Hormone Deficiency Diagnosis in Early Childhood. Horm Res Paediatr 2016; 84:323-30. [PMID: 26393500 DOI: 10.1159/000439590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2015] [Accepted: 08/20/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS The diagnosis of growth hormone (GH) deficiency (GHD) in infancy and early childhood is not straightforward. GH stimulation tests are unsafe and unreliable in infants, and normative data are lacking. This study aims to investigate whether brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may replace GH stimulation tests in the diagnosis of GHD in children younger than 4 years. METHODS We examined a retrospective cohort, with longitudinal follow-up, of 68 children consecutively diagnosed with GHD before the age of 4 years. The prevalence of hypothalamic-pituitary (HP) alterations at MRI and the associations with age and either isolated GHD (IGHD) or multiple pituitary hormone deficiency (MPHD) were assessed. RESULTS The prevalences of IGHD and MPHD were 54.4 and 45.6%, respectively. In the first group, brain MRI showed abnormalities in 83.8%: isolated pituitary hypoplasia in 48.7% and complex defects in 35.1%. In patients with MPHD, MRI showed complex alterations in 100%. All children younger than 24 months showed HP MRI abnormalities, regardless of the diagnosis. Complex defects were found in 94% of patients younger than 12 months and in 75% of patients between 13 and 24 months. CONCLUSION Our data suggest that brain MRI may represent the first-line investigation for diagnosing GHD in infancy and early childhood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Pampanini
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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Wang W, Wang S, Jiang Y, Yan F, Su T, Zhou W, Jiang L, Zhang Y, Ning G. Relationship between pituitary stalk (PS) visibility and the severity of hormone deficiencies: PS interruption syndrome revisited. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 2015; 83:369-76. [PMID: 25845766 DOI: 10.1111/cen.12788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2014] [Revised: 01/12/2015] [Accepted: 03/29/2015] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Pituitary stalk interruption syndrome (PSIS) is a rare cause of combined pituitary hormone deficiency characterized by a triad shown in pituitary imaging, yet it has never been evaluated due to the visibility of pituitary stalk (PS) in imaging findings. OBJECTIVE The major objective of the study was to systematically describe the disease including clinical presentations, imaging findings and to estimate the severity of anterior pituitary hormone deficiency based on the visibility of the PS. METHODS This was a retrospective study including 74 adult patients with PSIS in Shanghai Clinical Center for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases between January 2010 and June 2014. Sixty had invisible PS according to the findings on MRI, while the rest had a thin or intersected PS. Basic characteristics and hormonal status were compared. RESULTS Of the 74 patients with PSIS, age at diagnosis was 25 (22-28) years. Absent pubertal development (97·3%) was the most common presenting symptom, followed by short stature. Insulin tolerance test (ITT) and gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) stimulation test were used to evaluate the function of anterior pituitary. The prevalence of isolated deficiency in growth hormone (GH), gonadotrophins, corticotrophin and thyrotrophin were 100%, 97·2%, 88·2% and 70·3%, respectively. Although the ratio of each deficiency did not vary between patients with invisible PS and with visible PS, panhypopituitarism occurred significantly more frequent in patients with invisible PS. Patients with invisible PS had significantly lower levels of luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulation hormone (FSH) and hormones from targeted glands including morning cortisol, 24-h urine free cortisol, free triiodothyronine (FT3), free thyroxine (FT4) and testosterone (T) in male than patients with visible PS. Moreover, patients with invisible PS had lower peak LH and FSH in GnRH stimulation test, and higher peak cortisol in ITT while peak GH remained unchanged between two groups. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of multiple anterior pituitary hormone deficiency was high in adult patients with PSIS. And more importantly, we found the visibility of PS shown on MRI might be an indication of the severity of PSIS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiqing Wang
- Shanghai Clinical Center for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Shanghai Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Key Laboratory for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao-Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Laboratory for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases of Institute of Health Science, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine and Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Shuwei Wang
- Shanghai Clinical Center for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Shanghai Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Key Laboratory for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao-Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yiran Jiang
- Shanghai Clinical Center for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Shanghai Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Key Laboratory for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao-Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Fuhua Yan
- Department of Radiology, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tingwei Su
- Shanghai Clinical Center for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Shanghai Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Key Laboratory for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao-Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Weiwei Zhou
- Shanghai Clinical Center for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Shanghai Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Key Laboratory for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao-Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Lei Jiang
- Shanghai Clinical Center for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Shanghai Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Key Laboratory for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao-Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yifei Zhang
- Shanghai Clinical Center for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Shanghai Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Key Laboratory for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao-Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Guang Ning
- Shanghai Clinical Center for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Shanghai Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Key Laboratory for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao-Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Laboratory for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases of Institute of Health Science, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine and Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
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Cavarzere P, Biban P, Gaudino R, Perlini S, Sartore L, Chini L, Silvagni D, Antoniazzi F. Diagnostic pitfalls in the assessment of congenital hypopituitarism. J Endocrinol Invest 2014; 37:1201-9. [PMID: 25080869 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-014-0139-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2014] [Accepted: 07/12/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The diagnosis of congenital hypopituitarism is difficult and often delayed because its symptoms are nonspecific. AIM To describe the different clinical presentations of children with congenital hypopituitarism to reduce the time for diagnosis and to begin a precocious and appropriate treatment. STUDY DESIGN We analyzed a cohort of five children with congenital hypopituitarism, describing their clinical, biochemical and radiological characteristics from the birth to diagnosis. RESULTS As first sign of the disease, all of five patients presented a neonatal hypoglycemia, associated in four cases with jaundice. In all these four cases, the clinicians hypothesized a metabolic disease delaying the diagnosis, which was performed in only two cases within the neonatal period. In the other three cases, the diagnosis was formulated at 2, 5 and 8 years of life because there was severe and precocious growth impairment. CONCLUSIONS It is important to suspect congenital hypopituitarism in the presence of persistent neonatal hypoglycemia associated with jaundice and of a precocious and severe reduction of the growth velocity in childhood. In all these cases, it is necessary to undertake a hypothalamic-pituitary magnetic resonance imaging scan as soon as possible, and to start appropriate treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Cavarzere
- Pediatric Division, Department of Pediatrics, Universitary Hospital of Verona, Piazzale Stefani 1, 37126, Verona, Italy,
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12
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Maghnie M, Lindberg A, Koltowska-Häggström M, Ranke MB. Magnetic resonance imaging of CNS in 15,043 children with GH deficiency in KIGS (Pfizer International Growth Database). Eur J Endocrinol 2013; 168:211-7. [PMID: 23152438 DOI: 10.1530/eje-12-0801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Neuroimaging has become an essential part of the diagnostic process in children with GH deficiency (GHD). The aim of the study was to document the frequency of neuroanatomical abnormalities in a very large cohort of children with GHD and to relate these findings to patient clinical characteristics. DESIGN AND METHODS Results of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were reported in 15,043 of 43,725 children with non-acquired GHD (idiopathic, neurosecretory dysfunction (NSD) and known congenital cause) who were enrolled in KIGS (Pfizer International Growth Database) between 1987 and 2011. Clinical characteristics of patients before GH treatment with normal MRI (idiopathic GHD (IGHD) and NSD) were compared with those of patients with abnormal pituitaries (hypoplasia, empty sella (ES), HME (hypoplastic anterior pituitary, missing pituitary stalk and ectopic posterior pituitary)). RESULTS Abnormal MRIs were found in 4032 (26.8%) children, within which ES (N=1178 (7.8%)) and HME (N=1019 (6.8%)) were the most frequent findings. In 2361 children diagnosed as IGHD or NSD before MRI examination, anatomical abnormalities ((pituitary hypoplasia: n=974); (HME: n=459)) were documented. Patients with anatomical abnormalities had more severe characteristics of GHD: normal MRI < pituitary hypoplasia < ES < HME. CONCLUSIONS GHD is associated with a great variety of neuroanatomical abnormalities as identified by MRI. The investigation and evaluation of MRI need to be conducted in a structured mode. There is an association between anatomical and functional abnormalities of the pituitary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamad Maghnie
- Department of Pediatrics, IRCCS Giannina Gaslini, University of Genova, Largo G. Gaslini 5, 16 147 Genova, Italy.
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Pham LL, Lemaire P, Harroche A, Souberbielle JC, Brauner R. Pituitary stalk interruption syndrome in 53 postpubertal patients: factors influencing the heterogeneity of its presentation. PLoS One 2013; 8:e53189. [PMID: 23308160 PMCID: PMC3538767 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0053189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2012] [Accepted: 11/29/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pituitary stalk interruption syndrome (PSIS) may induce an isolated growth hormone (GH) deficiency or multiple hypothalamic-pituitary (HP) deficiencies. Patients with multiple HP deficiencies, primarily those with adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) deficiency, are at increased risk of morbidity and mortality. Our objective was to identify the factors influencing each symptom and the MRI features of the syndrome to enhance its diagnosis and genetic analysis. METHODS This study was a retrospective, single-center, case-cohort study of 53 patients with PSIS who had reached pubertal age. RESULTS Patients were classified as having an isolated GH deficiency (n = 24, Group 1) or HP deficiencies (n = 29, Group 2); of these, 19 had complete HP deficiency, and 10 had GH deficiency associated with TSH (n = 4), TSH and ACTH (n = 3), TSH and gonadotropin (n = 1) deficiencies or amenorrhea (n = 2). The following features were less frequent in Group 1 than in Group 2: breech presentation (4% vs 35%, P = 0.008), hypoglycemia (0% vs 59%, P<0.00001), micropenis (13% vs 69%, P<0.003), hypothalamic origin (0% vs 52%, P<0.000001), ophthalmic malformation (8% vs 38%, P<0.02) and psychomotor delay (0% vs 31%, P<0.004). The frequencies of all other malformations were similar in both groups (37% vs 59%). A visible pituitary stalk was characteristic of patients belonging to Group 1 (P<0.0002). The GH peak was greater in Group 1 than in Group 2 (P<0.0003), as was the anterior pituitary height (P = 0.01). CONCLUSION The factors that best discriminate patients with multiple HP deficiencies from those with an isolated GH deficiency are breech presentation, hypoglycemia, and micropenis. No patient with an isolated GH deficiency had psychomotor delay, but associated malformations and/or syndromes, with the exception of ophthalmic disorders, occurred with similar frequencies in both groups. We have also shown that each of the above characteristics is associated with a given HP deficiency and/or malformation/syndrome in the majority of cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luu-Ly Pham
- Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, and Fondation Ophtalmologique Adolphe de Rothschild, Paris, France
| | - Pierre Lemaire
- Grenoble-INP/UJF-Grenoble 1/CNRS, G-SCOP UMR5272, Grenoble, France
| | - Annie Harroche
- Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, and Fondation Ophtalmologique Adolphe de Rothschild, Paris, France
| | | | - Raja Brauner
- Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, and Fondation Ophtalmologique Adolphe de Rothschild, Paris, France
- * E-mail:
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Iacovazzo D, Lugli F, Giampietro A. Ectopic posterior pituitary causing hyperprolactinemia. Endocrine 2012; 42:449-50. [PMID: 22733394 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-012-9730-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2012] [Accepted: 06/11/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- D Iacovazzo
- Division of Endocrinology, Catholic University, Policlinico A. Gemelli, Largo A. Gemelli, 8, 00168 Rome, Italy.
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Valle-Murillo MA, Perez-Diaz I. Hepatopathy in an adult, secondary to congenital untreated panhypopituitarism and ectopic posterior pituitary gland. Indian J Endocrinol Metab 2012; 16:821-823. [PMID: 23087873 PMCID: PMC3475913 DOI: 10.4103/2230-8210.100638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
We report a rare case of an adult with advanced liver failure in the setting of an untreated congenital panhypopituitarism. A 32-years-old man presented with a newly onset seizure episode secondary to hypoglycemia. In the initial exploration, we found eunuchoid habitus, absence of secondary sexual characteristics, ascites, and hepatic encephalopathy. Hormonal evaluation confirmed the absence of anterior hypophyseal hormones and the liver function tests showed derangement of liver function. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) showed hypoplastic adenohypophysis and ectopic posterior pituitary gland. In the approach to liver disease, no cause was identified, besides the untreated panhypopituitarism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel A. Valle-Murillo
- Internal Medicine, Division of Medicine, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Medicas y Nutricion, “Salvador Zubiran”, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Ivan Perez-Diaz
- Internal Medicine and Endocrinology, Division of Medicine, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Medicas y Nutricion, “Salvador Zubiran”, Mexico City, Mexico
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Jagtap VS, Acharya SV, Sarathi V, Lila AR, Budyal SR, Kasaliwal R, Sankhe SS, Bandgar TR, Menon PS, Shah NS. Ectopic posterior pituitary and stalk abnormality predicts severity and coexisting hormone deficiencies in patients with congenital growth hormone deficiency. Pituitary 2012; 15:243-50. [PMID: 21667124 DOI: 10.1007/s11102-011-0321-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Certain pituitary imaging abnormalities are a specific indicator of hypopituitarism. The objective of this study is to compare phenotypical features with radiological findings in patients with congenital growth hormone deficiency (GHD). Magnetic Resonance imaging (MRI) was performed in 103 patients [72 with Isolated GHD (IGHD) and 31 with Combined Pituitary Hormone Deficiency (CPHD)]. Images were assessed for the following abnormalities: (1) small/absent anterior pituitary, (2) thin or interrupted pituitary stalk (PSA), and (3) Ectopic posterior pituitary (EPP), and (4) others. Radiological findings were correlated with the clinical and biochemical parameters. MRI abnormalities were observed in 48.6% patients with IGHD, 93.5% with CPHD. Jaundice, hypoxia, hypoglycemia and breech deliveries were more common in EPP/PSA group. EPP/PSA was observed in 87.1% patients with severe GHD (peak GH < 3 μg/L) as compared to 12.9% with mild to moderate GHD (peak GH: 3-10 μg/L). Amongst CPHD, EPP/PSA was present in 80% of subjects with associated hypocortisolism ± hypothyroidism as compared to 18.2% of subjects with hypogonadism. Over a mean follow up period of 4.5 years, 5.4% of subjects with IGHD and abnormal MRI progressed to CPHD while none of those with normal MRI progressed. This study emphasizes a significant clinico-radiological correlation in Asian Indian GHD patients. MRI abnormalities in the hypothalamic pituitary area, especially EPP/PSA are more common in patients with CPHD and severe GHD. Among CPHD, EPP/PSA predicts association with hypothyroidism or hypocortisolism. IGHD with MRI abnormality may evolve into CPHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Varsha S Jagtap
- Department of Endocrinology, Seth G S Medical College, Parel, Mumbai, Maharashtra, 400012, India.
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García Martín A, Cortés Berdonces M, Tenorio Jiménez C, Torres Vela E. [Perinatal adverse events and neuroanatomical abnormalities in patients with idiopathic hypopituitarism]. ENDOCRINOLOGIA Y NUTRICION : ORGANO DE LA SOCIEDAD ESPANOLA DE ENDOCRINOLOGIA Y NUTRICION 2010; 57:251-255. [PMID: 20471337 DOI: 10.1016/j.endonu.2010.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2010] [Revised: 03/19/2010] [Accepted: 03/19/2010] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To analyze the possible causes of growth hormone (GH) deficiency, whether isolated (GHD) or in combination with other pituitary deficiencies classified as idiopathic. PATIENTS AND METHODS We studied patients with idiopathic GHD included in a protocol of recombinant GH treatment in adults attending the outpatient clinic of the Endocrinology and Nutrition Service of the San Cecilio University Hospital. Perinatal history, findings on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis and diagnosis of GHD and other deficiencies were retrospectively evaluated. RESULTS A total of 17 patients were included: 14 men and 3 women with a mean age at diagnosis of 8.4+/-7.3 years. Perinatal adverse events occurred in 12 patients (69.2%). MRI showed empty sella (2 patients), pituitary hypoplasia or absence of the pituitary stalk (7 patients) and pituitary hypoplasia with ectopic posterior pituitary gland (6 patients); in the remaining 2 patients these data were not available. All had an established diagnosis of GHD: 15 with (88.2%) gonadotropin deficiency, 9 (52.9%) with adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) deficiency and 8 (47.1%) with thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) deficiency. CONCLUSIONS In our patients, adverse events during pregnancy or the perinatal period and the presence of anatomical abnormalities identified by MRI are a marker of pituitary dysfunction and may be important in the pathogenesis of this entity. The clinical spectrum of disease varies from isolated GH deficiency to multiple pituitary hormone deficiencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonia García Martín
- Servicio de Endocrinología y Nutrición, Hospital Universitario San Cecilio, Granada, España.
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Abstract
Ectopic posterior pituitary hyperintensity on MRI is a common feature associated with growth hormone deficiency. The presence of at least some residual components of the pituitary stalk is necessary for adequate anterior pituitary function. Little is known about long-term change in pituitary function or MRI findings in patients with ectopic posterior pituitary and interrupted pituitary stalk. We describe a case of childhood growth hormone deficiency and hyperprolactinemia associated with absent pituitary stalk. As an adult, prolactin levels normalized and GH secretion improved associated with changes in MRI findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vardhini Desikan
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, State University of New York at Stony Brook, Stony Brook, NY 11794-8111, USA
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