Purpose or Case Report: 1. To briefly review the embryology and anatomy of the pituitary gland.
2. To illustrate the imaging spectrum of duplication of the pituitary gland through an example, to include often associated anomalies such as thickening of the hypothalamus and a palatal teratoma.
3. To review the theories of pathogenesis leading to duplication of the pituitary gland.
Methods & Materials: All CT and MR imaging included for embryologic or anatomic correlation was performed at our instutition. Any graphic illustrations will be appropriately cited from the literature as necessary. The example case of duplication of the pituitary gland was both performed at our institution, as well as at outside institutions as mentioned.
Results: The embryology and anatomy of the pituitary gland will be briefly reviewed via graphic illustrations, as well as CT and MR imaging. An example of pituitary gland duplication from our institution will be described. Further description of the potential anomalies associated with duplication of the pituitary gland will be discussed. The theories of pathogenesis to include anomalies of notochord formation leading to pituitary gland duplication will also be reviewed.
Conclusions: Duplication of the pituitary gland is a relatively rare finding that can also have various associated anomalies. Understanding the embryology of the pituitary gland, as well as the pathogenesis specificaly associated with duplication of the gland, is important. Pediatric radiologists and pediatric neuroradiologists should be familiar with this rare entity and the associated imaging spectrum in order to target imaging studies appropriately to look for any additional associated findings.