A Review of Brain and Pituitary Gland MRI Findings in Patients with Ataxia and Hypogonadism

Cerebellum. 2024 Apr;23(2):757-774. doi: 10.1007/s12311-023-01562-0. Epub 2023 May 8.

Abstract

The association of cerebellar ataxia and hypogonadism occurs in a heterogeneous group of disorders, caused by different genetic mutations often associated with a recessive inheritance. In these patients, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) plays a pivotal role in the diagnostic workflow, with a variable involvement of the cerebellar cortex, alone or in combination with other brain structures. Neuroimaging involvement of the pituitary gland is also variable. Here, we provide an overview of the main clinical and conventional brain and pituitary gland MRI imaging findings of the most common genetic mutations associated with the clinical phenotype of ataxia and hypogonadism, with the aim of helping neuroradiologists in the identification of these disorders.

Keywords: Ataxia; Conventional MRI; Hypogonadism; Pituitary gland.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Brain / diagnostic imaging
  • Cerebellar Ataxia* / complications
  • Cerebellar Ataxia* / diagnostic imaging
  • Cerebellar Ataxia* / genetics
  • Humans
  • Hypogonadism* / diagnostic imaging
  • Hypogonadism* / genetics
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Pituitary Gland / diagnostic imaging