Neuropediatrics 2000; 31(6): 325-327
DOI: 10.1055/s-2000-12957
Short Communication

Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita and Pituitary Ectopia. A Case Report

E. Parano1,2,4 , R. R. Trifiletti2 , Rita Barone1 , V. Pavone3 , P. Pavone1
  • 1 Division of Pediatric Neurology, Pediatric Clinic, University of Catania, Italy,
  • 2 Department of Neurology and Neuroscience, Cornell University, New York, USA
  • 3 Hospital for Special Surgery, Cornell University, New York, USA
  • 4 IBFSNC, CNR, Catania, Italy
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
31 December 2000 (online)

We report a patient with a form of arthrogryposis multiplex congenita who developed seizures at 4 months of age that proved to be hypoglycemic. Further evaluation of the etiology of hypoglycemia led to the discovery of partial anterior hypopituitarism, with normal posterior pituitary function. Neuroimaging revealed an ectopic neurohypophysis with very small anterior pituitary, the presumed anatomic basis for his endocrine dysfunction. A chance association between the pituitary ectopia and the arthrogryposis cannot be ruled out. However, it is more likely that in the present patient a common genetic mechanism may be the basis for both the arthrogryposis and the pituitary dysfunction.

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M. D. Enrico Parano

Divisione di Neurologia Pediatrica
Clinica Pediatrica
Università di Catania

Viale Andrea Doria 6

95125 Catania

Italy

Email: parano@mbox.unict.it

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