Manish Bajaj MBBS, MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Bruno A. Policeni MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Joan Elizabeth Maley MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Shalini Bajaj MD, MBBS, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Tushar Chandra MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

The purpose of this exhibit is 1. To provide an overview of normal anatomy of pituitary and surrounding important structures in diagrammatic form with emphasis on structure of infundibulum including embryologic aspects. 2. To establish a step-by-step approach to diagnosis of lesions involving /affecting the infundibulum to reach final diagnosis..  

The pituitary infundibulum can be affected by pathologies extending from pituitary as well as adjacent structures in the form of infiltration or displacement. Some pathologies may present with isolated involvement of pituitary stalk. Congenital anamolies such as ectopic neurohypophysis may be identified by noting absence of infundibulum on MR imaging. Neoplastic pathologies like germinoma may be specifically localized to infundubulum. Drug induced hypophysitis may present with smooth enhancing thickening of pituitary infundibulum.Vascular causes like pituitary apoplexy may also have their pathological correlate in blood vessels traversing the stalk. Inflammatory pathologies including sarcoidosis may manifest as thickening & enhancement of infundibulum. A knowledge of important MR imaging characterstics and common differentials to be considered can help pin point the diagnosis.

http://abstract.rsna.org/uploads/2014/14016000/14016000_ldcc.pdf

Bajaj, M, Policeni, B, Maley, J, Bajaj, S, Chandra, T, The Stalk Matters: Imaging of Pituitary Infundibulum.  Radiological Society of North America 2014 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, - ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2014/14016000.html