Pituitary stalk interruption syndrome

Pituitary stalk interruption syndrome (PSIS) is a congenital disorder characterised by the triad of an absent or exceedingly thin pituitary stalk, an ectopic or absent posterior pituitary and/or absent or hypoplastic anterior pituitary.[1][2]

Pituitary stalk interruption syndrome (PSIS)
Other namesEctopic neurohypophysis
The location of the pituitary gland within the skull (indicated in orange)
SpecialtyEndocrinology, neurology, neonatology, paediatrics
SymptomsHypoglycaemia, jaudice, micropenis, cryptorchidism, etc.
ComplicationsSeizures, retarded physical and intellectual development, delayed puberty, death, etc.
TypesCongenital
Risk factorsGenetic predisposition (relative(s) with the condition)
Diagnostic methodMRI scan
TreatmentHormone replacement
FrequencyUnclear, ~1,000 cases reported

Presentation

Affected individuals may present with hypoglycaemia during the neonatal period, or with growth retardation during childhood (those diagnosed in the neonatal period appear to be affected by a particularly severe form of the disorder). PSIS is a common cause of congenital hypopituitarism, and causes a permanent growth hormone deficit. Some PSIS-affected individuals may also present with adrenal hypoplasia (5-29%), diabetes insipidus (5-29%), primary amenorrhea (5-29%), hypothyroidism (30-79%), failure to thrive (80-99%), septooptic dysplasia (5-29%), and Fanconi anaemia. PSIS may be isolated, or, commonly, present with extra-pituitary malformations.[1][2][3]

PSIS features in neonates (may) include:[1][2][3]

PSIS features in later childhood (may) include:[1][2][3]

PSIS is associated with a higher frequency of breech presentation, Caeserian section, and/or low Apgar score, though these are likely consequences rather than causes.[3]

Cause

The cause of the condition is as of yet unknown. Rare genetic mutations may cause familial cases, however, these account for less than 5% of cases.[2]

Diagnosis

The diagnosis is confirmed through MRI.[2]

Management

Treatment should commence as soon as a diagnosis is established to avoid complications, and consists of hormone replacement, particularly with growth hormone.[1]

Prognosis

Prognosis is generally good in cases of prompt diagnosis and management. Delays may lead to seizures (due to hypoglycaemia), hypotension (due to cortisol deficiency), and/or intellectual disability (due to thyroid endocrine deficits). Due to the before-mentioned factors, mortality and morbidity is higher than that of the general population, particularly during the first 2 years of life.[3]

Epidemiology

The prevalence of PSIS is unknown, however, some 1,000 cases have been reported either with or without the full triad.[3]

References

  1. "Pituitary stalk interruption syndrome". Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD) – an NCATS Program. U.S. National Institutes of Health. Retrieved 2018-08-11.
  2. Bar C, Zadro C, Diene G, Oliver I, Pienkowski C, Jouret B, et al. (November 2015). "Pituitary Stalk Interruption Syndrome from Infancy to Adulthood: Clinical, Hormonal, and Radiological Assessment According to the Initial Presentation". PLOS ONE. 10 (11): e0142354. Bibcode:2015PLoSO..1042354B. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0142354. PMC 4643020. PMID 26562670.
  3. Brauner R. "Pituitary stalk interruption syndrome". Orphanet. Retrieved 2018-08-11.
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