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Subhypothalamic High-Intensity Signals Identified by Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Children With Idiopathic Anterior HypopituitarismEvidence Suggestive of an 'Ectopic' Posterior Pituitary Gland
Allen W. Root, MD;
Carlos R. Martinez, MD;
Lawrence R. Muroff, MD
Am J Dis Child. 1989;143(3):366-367.
Abstract
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• Magnetic resonance imaging in two children with idiopathic hypopituitarism demonstrated a signal of high intensity near the optic tract that was consistent with the signal produced by posterior pituitary tissue. Patient 1 was a 15-year-old girl with panhypopituitarism but intact posterior pituitary function. Computed tomography disclosed widening of the superior aspect of the pituitary stalk and a partially empty sella. Magnetic resonance imaging disclosed a 3-mm high-intensity signal abutting the optic tract in the midline just above the sella. The pituitary stalk was not clearly defined, the pituitary gland was small, and the sella was filled with cerebrospinal fluid. Patient 2 was a 12-year-old boy with isolated deficiency of growth hormone secretion. Findings from magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography were similar to those in patient 1. These data suggest that the high-intensity magnetic resonance imaging findings represent a displaced or "ectopic" posterior pituitary gland, and that the hypopituitary state is due to an insult to the pituitary stalk.
(AJDC. 1989;143:366-367)
Author Affiliations
From the Departments of Pediatrics and Radiology, University of South Florida College of Medicine, Tampa, and the All Children's Hospital, St Petersburg, Fla.
Footnotes
Accepted for publication December 20, 1988.
Presented at the American Pediatric Society/Society for Pediatric Research, Washington, DC, May 3, 1988.
Reprint requests to All Children's Hospital, 801 6th St South, St Petersburg, FL 33731 (Dr Root).
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