Hypophyseal Triplication: Case Report and Embryologic Considerations

Unenhanced T1-weighted multiplanar reformatted MR images. A, Coronal image showing paired infundibula (white arrows) extending inferiorly to 2 pituitary glands symmetrically located in the lateral recesses of the pituitary fossa; the hypothalamus appears grossly thickened (black arrows). B, Coronal image along the pituitary stalk (white arrow) of the median aspect of the hypophysis, which appears as an oval, hyperintense-to-gray matter, homogeneous mass partially housed in the pituitary fossa (white arrowhead). Similar features might be found also in pedunculated hamartomas, which are usually characterized by the presence of clinical and laboratory signs of precocious puberty and by T1 isointensity compared with gray matter. C, In this oblique axial image, the 3 pituitary glands are contemporaneously visible; the paramedian glands present both the adenohypophyseal component (white stars) and the neurohypophyseal bright spot (black arrowheads), whereas the midline hypophysis (white arrowhead) is homogeneously isointense.