Pituitary stalk lesions

Abstract

Purpose of review: To describe the diverse causes of pituitary stalk lesions, their diagnosis, and treatment.

Recent findings: Pathology of the pituitary stalk is often distinct from disease processes that affect the hypothalamus and/or pituitary. Pituitary stalk lesions fall into one of three categories: congenital, inflammatory/infectious, and neoplastic lesions.

Summary: Stalk thickening may be found incidentally or when evaluating pituitary functional abnormalities. The precise cause must be looked for to enable the proper form of therapy of the underlying process. Hormone replacement is often also necessary.