The Missing Link: A Case of Absent Pituitary Infundibulum and Ectopic Neurohypophysis in a Pediatric Patient with Heterotaxy Syndrome

Abstract

We report a case of absent pituitary infundibulum and ectopic neurohypophysis in a 4-year-old patient presenting clinically with hypopituitarism as well as heterotaxy syndrome complicated by global developmental delay and growth retardation.  The clinical and laboratory workup of our patient suggested underlying hypopituitarism related to either congenital or acquired pathology, necessitating MRI to distinguish between them.  We explain the various structural causes of hypopituitarism and detail how to predict the MRI findings and treatment, based on a fundamental understanding of the anatomy and pathophysiology of the hypothalamic pituitary axis and distinguishing anterior versus posterior pituitary hormone derangements.  We also discuss two important theories widely acknowledged in the literature to explain congenital hypopituitarism: 1. Head trauma typically during birth resulting in a stretch injury to the infundibulum. 2. Congenital fetal maldevelopment of midline structures.