Delayed puberty due to pituitary stalk dysgenesis and ectopic neurohypophysis

Korean J Intern Med. 2006 Mar;21(1):68-72. doi: 10.3904/kjim.2006.21.1.68.

Abstract

Hypopituitarism is not a common cause of delayed puberty. A 22 year old man was referred to our clinic because of the absence of the development of secondary sexual characteristics. The patient had no complaints of physical discomfort. Random serum testosterone and luteinizing hormone level were obtained and found to be low. The combined pituitary function stimulation test revealed a partial hypopituitarism. A pituitary magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was obtained and showed decreased pituitary stalk enhancement and ectopic neurohypophysis. Therefore, we conclude that the delayed puberty was a result of hypopituitarism due to pituitary stalk dysgenesis and ectopic neurohypophysis. The patient was started on hormone replacement therapy and gradually developed secondary sexual characteristics.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Hormone Replacement Therapy
  • Humans
  • Hypopituitarism / complications*
  • Hypopituitarism / diagnosis
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Pituitary Gland, Posterior / abnormalities*
  • Puberty, Delayed / etiology*
  • Time Factors