Pituitary gland and axial skeletal malformations in human fetuses with spina bifida

The purpose of the present study was to describe the pituitary gland and ax ial skeleton, including the sella turcica, in human fetuses with spina bifi da. Ten fetuses with gestational ages (GA) 15 1/2-28 weeks were investigate d radiographically (Faxitron X-ray apparatus) and immunohistochemically. Fo ur of the fetuses have been described previously. The study showed that nine fetuses had minor or no skeletal abnormalities i n the vertebral bodies of the spine, and one fetus had severely malformed v ertebral bodies. In all cases the sella turcica and the pituitary gland wer e malformed. Adenopituitary tissue was in all cases located in both the sella turcica an d the pharyngeal submucosa. The most severe sella turcica/pituitary gland m alformation was seen in the fetus with the malformed spine. The connection between the prenatally registered sella turcica/pituitary gl and malformation and the endocrinological status of children with spina bif ida should be emphasized in future studies.