Abstract 155: Pituitary stalk interruption syndrome presenting as short stature: A case report

Pituitary stalk interruption syndrome (PSIS) is a rare congenital pituitary anatomical defect that leads to a variable degree of pituitary hormone deficiency. The classic neuroimaging findings of this condition include thin or interrupted stalk, absent or ectopic posterior pituitary, and hypoplastic anterior pituitary gland. The reported incidence of PSIS is 0.5 per 1,00,000 live births. The exact pathophysiology of this syndrome is not fully understood, but chromosomal microdeletions and perinatal asphyxia have some established roles in the literature as primary miscreants. Here we report a case of an adolescent male child who presented with complaints of short stature and absent secondary sexual characters development, diagnosed with PSIS following an MRI. A 16-year-old male child was referred to the endocrinology department for the evaluation of short stature and delayed secondary sexual character development. This patient was born out of a non-consanguinous marriage and delivered at term by the vaginal route, with no other significant perinatal or family history. Psychomotor milestones were attained appropriately as per age but had poor linear growth. On examination, he had short stature - height 146 cms (-2.7 SDS), weight: 53.5 kg BMI: 23.5 Kg/m2 with normal vitals. Head-to-toe examination revealed immature facies, deep-seated eyes, broad nasal bridge, bilateral lipomastia, high-pitched voice, Tanner stage: A1P1, SPL:4 cms, the testicular volume of 3cc bilaterally, with rest of the system-wise examinations being normal. Routine laboratory investigations (CBC, RFT, LFT, Electrolytes) were within normal limits. Bone age: 13 years. The hormonal assessment showed central hypothyroidism, hypocortisolemia, and GH insufficiency, with pre-pubertal gonadotropin levels- suggestive of pan-hypopituitarism [Table 1]. MRI pituitary showed anterior pituitary hypoplasia with interrupted stalk, and ectopic posterior pituitary, with no other brain anomalies which is consistent with the diagnosis of PSIS. The patient was initiated on hormone replacement therapy, currently taking hydrocortisone, growth hormone, levothyroxine, and testosterone. PSIS is a rare condition, that can present with various spectrum of clinical features. Signs and symptoms may not be evident in the neonatal and infancy period, therefore diagnosis is often delayed. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for preventing adverse effects of long-term hormonal deficiencies and improving the quality of life. [INLINE:1]