Marina Ybarra1,2, Rawan Hafiz3, Marie-Eve Robinson4, Julia Elisabeth von Oettingen4,5, Helen Bui4, Christine Saint-Martin6. 1. Research Center of Sainte Justine University Hospital, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada. 2. Institut National de la recherche scientifique - Centre Armand-Frappier, Université du Québec, Laval, QC, Canada. 3. Department of Radiology, McGill University Health Centre, 1001 Decarie Blvd., Room B02.7006, Montreal, QC, H4A 3J1, Canada. 4. Division of Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada. 5. Research Institute, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada. 6. Department of Radiology, McGill University Health Centre, 1001 Decarie Blvd., Room B02.7006, Montreal, QC, H4A 3J1, Canada. christine.saint-martin@mcgill.ca.
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.
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.
Authors: L P Mark; V M Haughton; L E Hendrix; D L Daniels; A L Williams; L F Czervionke; R J Asleson Journal: AJNR Am J Neuroradiol Date: 1991 May-Jun Impact factor: 3.825
Authors: V Tillmann; V W Tang; D A Price; D G Hughes; N B Wright; P E Clayton Journal: J Pediatr Endocrinol Metab Date: 2000 Nov-Dec Impact factor: 1.634