Pituitary stalk interruption syndrome (PSIS): do not miss this diagnosis

Abstract

Abstract Background Pituitary stalk interruption syndrome (PSIS) is one of the rare endocrinal aetiologies of the abnormal short stature. This is a syndrome characterized by a specific tirade, an absent or hypoplastic anterior pituitary gland, thin or absent infundibulum, and ectopic posterior pituitary location. This type of pituitary dwarfism is usually presented in the first decade of life and may be first isolated with normal other pituitary hormones. Results Only 3 out of 117 dwarf patients (2.5%) were found to have pituitary stalk interruption syndrome. Conclusion Although of rare incidence, pituitary stalk interruption syndrome (PSIS) is an entity which leads to pituitary dwarfism and should be kept in mind while investigating a child with pituitary dwarfism and radiologists should be aware of its rarely encountered diagnostic MRI findings for early diagnosis and treatment.