Importance of Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Pituitary Stalk Interruption Syndrome

ABSTRACT

Objective: To evaluate the importance of magnetic resonance imaging in the treatment and follow-up of patients with pituitary stalk interruption syndrome.

Material and Methods: The study included patients who were admitted to the Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinic of our hospital from 2009 to 2013. Pituitary functions, growth and development curves, and magnetic resonance imaging findings of the patients were evaluated during the follow-up period.

Results: The study included three men and two women. Four patients had multiple pituitary hormone deficiency. All cases were diagnosed with short stature with respect to their chronological age. Four patients were diagnosed with pituitary stalk interruption syndrome in their childhood. Isolated growth hormone deficiency was observed only in one patient.

Conclusion: Pituitary insufficiency should be considered when evaluating pituitary stalk interruption syndrome. The presence of pituitary stalk and the change in the size of the anterior pituitary gland are crucial magnetic resonance imaging findings in monitoring pituitary functions. In addition, evaluating the size of the pituitary gland may allow early detection of pituitary insufficiency in adult patients with pituitary stalk interruption syndrome.