scholarly journals Idiopathic Hypothalamic Diabetes Insipidus, Pituitary Stalk Thickening, and the Occult Intracranial Germinoma in Children and Adolescents*

1997 ◽  
Vol 82 (5) ◽  
pp. 1362-1367
Author(s):  
Sudha L. Mootha ◽  
Anthony J. Barkovich ◽  
Melvin M. Grumbach ◽  
Michael S. Edwards ◽  
Stephen E. Gitelman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Diabetes Insipidus ◽  
Brain Mri ◽  
Inflammatory Cells ◽  
Pituitary Stalk ◽  
Pituitary Hormone ◽  
Resonance Imaging ◽  
Anterior Pituitary Hormone ◽  
Mri Scans ◽  
Pituitary Stalk Thickening

Abstract We report nine consecutive children and adolescents [five females and four males; aged 2 yr 8 months (m) to 18 yr 1 m] studied over the last 5 yr with idiopathic central diabetes insipidus. In addition to vasopressin deficiency, anterior pituitary hormone deficiencies were detected, either on evaluation at presentation or during follow-up studies over the following 3 yr. Four patients had an increased concentration of plasma PRL. One patient had multiple pituitary hormone deficiencies at diagnosis, and two others developed the same by 21 m of follow-up. Brain magnestic resonance imaging scans, performed at presentation, were originally interpreted as normal in four of nine patients, except for absence of the bright posterior pituitary signal; after retrospective review, two of nine were considered normal. All of the brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans showed positive findings by 14 m of follow-up. The first abnormal finding in all patients was isolated pituitary stalk thickening. Evaluation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for hCG was positive in three of eight evaluated patients; the three positive CSF values were found at presentation and 3 and 9 m after presentation. All eight patients assessed were negative for CSF α-fetoprotein and cytology, and no patient had serum tumor markers. Transsphenoidal biopsy of the lesion in seven of nine patients showed a germinoma in six patients and inflammatory cells in one. The six patients with documented germinoma comprise 31% of the intracranial germinomas diagnosed in this age group at the University of California-San Francisco during the last 5 yr. The patient with mononuclear inflammatory cells on biopsy along with one other patient have had spontaneous resolution of their stalk thickening. So-called “idiopathic” central diabetes insipidus warrants close follow-up to determine the etiology, especially if anterior pituitary hormone deficiencies are detected. Normal brain MRI scans or scans that show isolated pituitary stalk thickening merit follow-up with serial contrast enhanced brain MRI for the early detection of an evolving occult hypothalamic-stalk lesion. CSF evaluation is recommended at presentation because elevated CSF hCG may precede MRI abnormalities.

scholarly journals Pituitary Morphology and Function in 43 Children with Central Diabetes Insipidus

2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wendong Liu ◽  
Limin Wang ◽  
Minghua Liu ◽  
Guimei Li
Keyword(s):  
Diabetes Insipidus ◽  
Central Diabetes Insipidus ◽  
Pituitary Function ◽  
Pituitary Stalk ◽  
Hormone Deficiency ◽  
Pituitary Hormone ◽  
Initial Manifestation ◽  
Stalk Diameter ◽  
And Function

Objective. In pediatric central diabetes insipidus (CDI), etiology diagnosis and pituitary function monitoring are usually delayed. This study aimed to illustrate the importance of regular follow-up and pituitary function monitoring in pediatric CDI.Methods. The clinical, hormonal, and neuroradiological characteristics of children with CDI at diagnosis and during 1.5–2-year follow-up were collected and analyzed.Results. The study included 43 CDI patients. The mean interval between initial manifestation and diagnosis was 22.29 ± 3.67 months (range: 2–108 months). The most common complaint was polyuria/polydipsia. Causes included Langerhans cell histiocytosis, germinoma, and craniopharyngioma in 2, 5, and 4 patients; the remaining were idiopathic. No significant changes were found during the 1.5–2 years after CDI diagnosis. Twenty-three of the 43 cases (53.5%) had ≥1 anterior pituitary hormone deficiency. Isolated growth hormone deficiency was the most frequent abnormality (37.5%) and was not associated with pituitary stalk diameter. Multiple pituitary hormone deficiencies were found in 8 cases with pituitary stalk diameter > 4.5 mm.Conclusion. Diagnosis of CDI is usually delayed. CDI with a pituitary stalk diameter > 4.5 mm carries a higher risk of multiple pituitary hormone deficiencies. Long-term MRI and pituitary function follow-ups are necessary for children with idiopathic CDI.

Central diabetes insipidus as a very late relapse limited to the pituitary stalk in Langerhans cell histiocytosis

2016 ◽  
Vol 29 (7) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shunsuke Nakagawa ◽  
Yuichi Shinkoda ◽  
Daisuke Hazeki ◽  
Mari Imamura ◽  
Yasuhiro Okamoto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Diabetes Insipidus ◽  
Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis ◽  
Langerhans Cell ◽  
Central Diabetes Insipidus ◽  
Pituitary Stalk ◽  
Hormone Deficiency ◽  
Late Relapse ◽  
Pituitary Hormone ◽  
Anterior Pituitary Hormone ◽  
The Central Nervous System

AbstractCentral diabetes insipidus (CDI) and relapse are frequently seen in multifocal Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH). We present two females with multifocal LCH who developed CDI 9 and 5 years after the initial diagnosis, respectively, as a relapse limited to the pituitary stalk. Combination chemotherapy with cytarabine reduced the mass in the pituitary stalk. Although CDI did not improve, there has been no anterior pituitary hormone deficiency (APHD), neurodegenerative disease in the central nervous system (ND-CNS) or additional relapse for 2 years after therapy. It was difficult to predict the development of CDI in these cases. CDI might develop very late in patients with multifocal LCH, and therefore strict follow-up is necessary, especially with regard to symptoms of CDI such as polydipsia and polyuria. For new-onset CDI with LCH, chemotherapy with cytarabine might be useful for preventing APHD and ND-CNS.

scholarly journals Central Diabetes Insipidus as the Inaugural Manifestation of Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis: Natural History and Medical Evaluation of 26 Children and Adolescents

2011 ◽  
Vol 96 (9) ◽  
pp. E1352-E1360 ◽  
Author(s):  
Isis Marchand ◽  
Mohamed Aziz Barkaoui ◽  
Catherine Garel ◽  
Michel Polak ◽  
Jean Donadieu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Diabetes Insipidus ◽  
Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis ◽  
Third Ventricle ◽  
Langerhans Cell ◽  
Central Diabetes Insipidus ◽  
Pituitary Stalk ◽  
The Third ◽  
Mri Features ◽  
Pituitary Stalk Thickening

Abstract Context: Isolated central diabetes insipidus (CDI) can be the first manifestation of Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH), creating diagnostic dilemmas such as dysgerminoma and other inflammatory lesions. Method: In 2010, the French national LCH registry had enrolled 1236 LCH patients under 18 yr of age. Isolated CDI was the initial presentation of LCH in 26 patients. We reviewed their clinical and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features. Results: Median age at the diagnosis of CDI was 9.6 yr (1.8–16.3), and median follow-up after CDI diagnosis was 9.9 yr (3.5–26.6). In addition to CDI, two patients had visual field defects, four had secondary amenorrhea, and 11 had anterior pituitary deficiency. Cerebral imaging (including computed tomography in two cases), performed in 22 patients within 3 months of CDI diagnosis, showed pituitary stalk thickening in 14 patients, which was moderate (3.0–7 mm) in nine cases and marked (>7 mm) in five cases. In eight cases, the lesion extended to the floor of the third ventricle. One child with LCH presented with a mild enlarged sellar content. During follow-up, 22 patients developed extrapituitary involvement, mainly of bone (n = 15), lung (n = 9), and skin (n = 9). Pituitary biopsy was performed in eight cases and was conclusive in six cases. Conclusions: Pituitary stalk thickening can be observed in LCH as well as lesions extending to the floor of the third ventricle. In all cases but one, the intrasellar content was not enlarged. Long-term follow-up with close attention to bone, skin, and lung disorders may lead to the diagnosis of LCH.

scholarly journals GCT-75. ISOLATED PITUITARY STALK THICKENING

2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. iii343-iii343
Author(s):  
Julie Bennett ◽  
Liana Nobre ◽  
Eric Bouffet ◽  
Oussama Abla ◽  
Jonathan Wasserman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Diabetes Insipidus ◽  
Pituitary Stalk ◽  
Blood Cell Count ◽  
Cerebrospinal Fluid Analysis ◽  
Fluid Analysis ◽  
Pituitary Dysfunction ◽  
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Mri ◽  
Pituitary Stalk Thickening ◽  
Endocrine Disturbance

Abstract OBJECTIVES Only few studies have examined the predictive factors and outcome of isolated pituitary stalk thickening (PST) in children. We aim to describe our institutional cohort to determine predictors of future malignancy. METHODS A search of the radiology, endocrinology and neuro-oncology databases was performed to identify patients with isolated PST diagnosed between January 2000 and June 2019. Clinical data was collected. A detailed radiology review of baseline and follow up magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was undertaken in a blinded fashion by two examiners. RESULTS Forty-four patients were identified, with 37 meeting criteria for isolated PST and adequate imaging. Median age of baseline MRI was 9.9 years (range 0.9–17.5). Twenty-three were female (62%). Median follow up time was 5 (0.31–18.6) years. Indication for MRI was symptoms of diabetes insipidus (DI) in 28 patients with the remainder having other concerns for endocrine disturbance (7), headache (1) or visual impairment (1). Thirty-five subjects had pituitary dysfunction (95%), including 30 with diabetes insipidus (81%). Nine patients developed a malignancy (24%), with germinoma (5), Langerhans cell histiocytosis (3) and lymphoma (1) at a median of 0.36 years, 0.63 years and 1.1 years respectively. Elevated white blood cell count (>5 x 106/L) in initial cerebrospinal fluid analysis was predictive of future diagnosis of germinoma or lymphoma (p=0.027). CONCLUSION In this cohort 24% of children with PST were eventually diagnosed with a neoplasia after a median of 0.63 years. Pleocytosis in initial CSF samples was predictive for future development of germinoma or lymphoma.

scholarly journals Magnetic resonance imaging of the hypothalamopituitary area in the diagnosis of neurogenic diabetes insipidus

2003 ◽  
Vol 49 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-5
Author(s):  
I. I. Dedov ◽  
A. V. Vorontsov ◽  
V. V. Vaks ◽  
Ye. I. Marova ◽  
Ye. V. Averkiyeva ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Resonance Imaging ◽  
Magnetic Resonance ◽  
Diabetes Insipidus ◽  
Brain Mri ◽  
Brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging ◽  
Resonance Imaging ◽  
Tumor Lesion ◽  
Mri Scans ◽  
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Mri ◽  
Neurogenic Diabetes Insipidus

Fifty two patients (23 males and 29 females) with neurogenic diabetes insipidus (DI) were examined to define the role and specific features of brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the diagnosis of hypothalamopituitary abnormalities in this disease retrospectively after establishing the diagnosis. The group understudy included patients who had symptoms of only DI (they had no signs of chiasm or hypopituitarism). The fol­lowing abnormalities were detected: no hyperintensive signal of the neurohypophysis body on T1-weighed images in 42.3%) of patients, bulky chiasmocellar masses in 13.6%), the empty ephippium in 15.3%), its structural abnormalities in 1.9%). Ab­normal MRI scans were absent in 26.9% of patients with neu­rogenic DI. Since DI may be the first and only symptom of hy­pothalamopituitary tumor lesion, a sensitive topical technicjue, such as MRI, should be applied. It was found that brain MRI revealed no hyperintensive signal from the neurohypophysis body on T1-weighed images in 61%) of the patients with idi­opathic DI, which may be a pathognomonic sign of idiopathic DI.

Neoplastic Etiology and Natural Course of Pituitary Stalk Thickening: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dong Yeong Kim ◽  
Pyeong Hwa Kim ◽  
Ah Young Jung ◽  
Jin-Ho Choi ◽  
Young Ah Cho ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Natural Course ◽  
Pituitary Stalk ◽  
Hormone Deficiency ◽  
Original Research ◽  
Pituitary Hormone ◽  
Pediatric Populations ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Pituitary Stalk Thickening

Abstract Context Pituitary stalk thickening (PST) is often identified on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), either incidentally or during diagnostic work-up of hypopituitarism. However, the neoplastic etiology and natural course of PST are not fully understood, although this knowledge is required to establish diagnostic and surveillance strategies. Objectives To investigate the neoplastic etiology and natural course of PST. Methods MEDLINE/PubMed and EMBASE databases were searched up to February 2021 to identify original research investigating the etiologies of PST. The proportion of neoplastic etiology in patients with PST was meta-analytically pooled. Supplementary analysis exploring factors suggesting neoplasm was also performed. For initially indeterminate cases without confirmed diagnosis, the proportion of patients showing progression of PST during follow-up was evaluated. Results Eighteen studies covering 1368 patients with PST were included. The pooled proportion of neoplasm was 45.2% (95% CI, 33.3–57.8%), with substantial heterogeneity across studies (I 2=93%). The most common neoplasm was germ cell tumor (14.0% of study population), followed by Langerhans cell histiocytosis (10.2%) and metastasis (4.7%). The studies on pediatric populations and those with >50% of patients having at least one pituitary hormone deficiency tended to show a higher proportion of neoplasm. The pituitary stalk was thicker in neoplasms, but the difference was not significant (pooled mean difference, 2.08 mm; P=0.08). In initially indeterminate cases, 18.5% (95% CI, 7.6–38.3%) showed progression of PST during follow-up. Conclusion PST was commonly confirmed to be neoplastic, especially in pediatric populations. As isolated PST frequently progresses, follow-up imaging is essential in initially indeterminate cases.

Approach To The Pediatric Patient: Central Diabetes Insipidus

2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giuseppa Patti ◽  
Flavia Napoli ◽  
Daniela Fava ◽  
Emilio Casalini ◽  
Natascia Di Iorgi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Differential Diagnosis ◽  
Diabetes Insipidus ◽  
Central Diabetes Insipidus ◽  
Pituitary Stalk ◽  
Central Nervous System Damage ◽  
Gold Standard Method ◽  
Underlying Condition ◽  
Detailed Medical History ◽  
Over Time

Abstract Central diabetes insipidus (CDI) is a complex disorder in which large volumes of dilute urine are excreted due to arginine-vasopressin deficiency, and it is caused by a variety of disorders affecting the hypothalamic-posterior pituitary network. The differential diagnosis is challenging and requires a detailed medical history, physical examination, biochemical approach, imaging studies and, in some cases, histological confirmation. Magnetic resonance imaging is the gold standard method for evaluating congenital or acquired cerebral and pituitary stalk lesions. Pituitary stalk size at presentation could be normal, but it may change over time, depending on the underlying condition, while other brain areas or organs may become involved during follow up. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial in order to avoid central nervous system damage, germ cell tumor dissemination, and to minimize complications of multiple pituitary hormone defects. We provide a practical update on the diagnosis and management of patients with CDI and highlight several pitfalls that may complicate the differential diagnosis of conditions presenting with polyuria and polydipsia. The need for a careful and close follow-up of patients with “apparently” idiopathic CDI is particularly emphasized, because the underlying condition may be recognized over time. The clinical scenario that we outline at the beginning of this article represents the basis for the discussion about how the etiological diagnosis of CDI can be overlooked, and demonstrates how a water intake and urine output improvement can be a sign of progressive damage of both hypothalamus and anterior pituitary gland with associated pituitary hormonal deficiencies.

scholarly journals SAT-241 Pituitary Stalk Interruption Syndrome Presenting as Neonatal Hypotonia

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nordie Anne Bilbao
Keyword(s):  
Pituitary Gland ◽  
Neonatal Period ◽  
Hormone Replacement ◽  
Brain Mri ◽  
Rare Condition ◽  
Pituitary Stalk ◽  
Pituitary Hormone ◽  
Thyroid Function Tests ◽  
Acth Stimulation ◽  
Central Hypothyroidism

Abstract Pituitary stalk interruption syndrome (PSIS) is a rare condition that include congenital anatomic abnormalities of the pituitary gland and hypopituitarism. There is a wide variety of clinical presentation, with the age at presentation encompassing from neonatal period to adulthood and including one or more pituitary hormone deficiencies. In recent literature there is increasing recognition of PSIS presenting in the neonatal period, mostly involving hypoglycemia. Our patient is a full-term male infant who presented in the newborn period with hypotonia and hypothermia. He also had hypoglycemia, which was initially thought to be associated to hyperinsulinism in the context of gestational diabetes. Micropenis was noted on physical exam. As part of the study for hypotonia, serial thyroid function tests were obtained revealing central hypothyroidism. A low dose ACTH stimulation test was performed which revealed adrenal insufficiency. The patient was started on cortisol and thyroid hormone replacement. Brain MRI showed an ectopic neurohypophysis located along the floor of the hypothalamus, a small anterior pituitary gland, and a partially absent infundibulum, findings consistent with pituitary stalk interruption syndrome. The patient received testosterone injections for micropenis and is being followed for development of other pituitary hormone deficiencies. PSIS is a rare congenital condition that is increasingly recognized in neonates manifesting with signs of hypopituitarism.

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