Hypopituitarism Following Extirpation of a Pharyngeal Pituitary

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
• A neonate without external malformation had undergone removal of a nasopharyngeal mass containing anterior and posterior pituitary tissue. Numerous endocrine evaluations since that time have confirmed polyhormonal hypopituitarism. Endocrine replacement has resulted in a healthy, normal child except for short stature. The literature dealing with pharyngeal pituitary, congenital absence of the pituitary, cyclopia, and other malformations of the pituitary suggests only vague theories to explain the infrequent anomalies found in this area. We propose that laminagrams of the sphenoid of newborns with signs suggestive of hypopituitarism may reveal an open craniopharyngeal canal and thus may aid in early diagnosis and appropriate replacement therapy. (Am J Dis Child 131:525-528, 1977)