Clinical and MRI features of pituitary stalk interruption syndrome

Objective:To analyze the clinical manifestations,laboratory findings and magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) features of pituitary stalk interruption syndrome(PSIS) for improving its early diagnosis.Methods:The clinical data were retrospectively analyzed,together with literature review,in 15 patients with PSIS regarding the clinical pictures,laboratory findings and MRI characterization.Results:MRI examination was competent to totally expose the ectopic posterior pituitary and revealed the pituitary lobe at infundibulum stem,with disappearance of the pituitary stalk.The anterior pituitary was seen within the pituitary fossa.Laboratory findings suggested deficiency of growth hormone and/or other hormone in the total cases.Conclusion:MRI may serve the most valuable anatomy base for the diagnosis of PSIS,and accurate diagnosis of this entity can rely on laboratory findings and its clinical manifestations.