Objective  To explore the diagnostic value of the high field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) dynamic enhanced 3D volume scan technology on pituitary stalk interruption syndrome (PSIS).

Methods  A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data and MRI images of patients diagnosed with PSIS in Luoyang Maternal and Child Health Hospital. The related literature on PSIS was reviewed, and the imaging manifestations and appropriate MRI examination methods were explored.

Results  A total of 10 cases were included in the study. After MRI scanning, no pituitary stalk was observed in both sagittal and coronal images. Short T1 signals in the posterior lobe of the pituitary gland disappeared in normal positions, and small nodular short T1 signals were observed in the funnel-shaped recess of the third ventricle, with a maximum diameter range of 1.8-4.5 mm and an average of (3.2±1.1) mm. The anterior pituitary glands were relatively small and thin, attached to the base of the saddle, with a height diameter of 2.6-3.8 mm and an average of (3.1±0.4) mm. Among them, 2 cases had smaller posterior pituitary morphologies that were ectopic to the funnel-shaped recess, and after using the high-field MRI dynamic enhanced 3D volume scan technology, T1 high signal was more clear and distinct, and the diagnosis can be confirmed by pituitary stalk interruption and ectopic neurohypophysis. Among the 10 cases, 1 case was accompanied by pointed downward movement of the cerebellar tonsils on both sides, extending 4 mm beyond the line of the anterior and posterior edges of the foramen magnum.

Conclusion  The MRI scanning is simple and feasible, however, the high-field MRI dynamic enhanced 3D volume scan can show the loss, thinning and ectopia of the pituitary stalk more clearly, which has shown potential in the diagnosis of PSIS.

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