Besides primary disturbances of the hypophysis itself, such as tumor, hypoplasia, etc., there are a number of intracranial conditions, either in the vicinity of the gland or more remote, that, directly or indirectly, may lead to interference with its function, resulting in the development of pituitary adiposity. Not only neighboring new growths, but also severe hydrocephalus with dilatation of the third ventricle, of whatever origin, may exert deleterious pressure on or obstruct the hypophysis and thus interfere with its normal function.
Harvey Cushing1 remarks that secondary changes probably occur in the pituitary body in every case of increased intracranial tension, often with gross deformity and resultant functional disturbances which frequently elicit recognizable clinical manifestations. The scanty literature on the relation of hydrocephalus to the pituitary gland has been reviewed by the above named writer and in The Journal by Pollok.2
As an instance of conspicuous manifestations of hypophysial