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Pituitary stalk interruption syndrome

Case contributed by Ammar Haouimi
Diagnosis almost certain

Presentation

Growth retardation with deficiency of growth hormones.

Patient Data

Age: 11 years
Gender: Male

The MRI sequences demonstrate: 

  • ectopic posterior pituitary at the median eminence seen as a small area of high T1, well-demonstrated on both sagittal and coronal sequences
  • thin infundibulum well-visualized on postcontrast sequences
  • hypoplastic anterior pituitary gland

Case Discussion

The clinical presentation and MRI features are most consistent with a pituitary stalk interruption syndrome which is characterized on MRI by absent or hypoplastic anterior pituitary gland, thin or absent infundibulum and ectopic posterior pituitary location.

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