196 ENDOCRINE GLANDS 



successive pictures, it is then possible to follow the evolu- 

 tion of the tumor. 



In certain cases the X-ray allows us to find in the pitu- 

 itary fossa, or in the adjacent region, abnormal shadows 

 which are indications of partial calcification of the tumor. 



ABORTIVE PITUITARY SYNDROMES. 



1. AT PUBERTY are sometimes observed disturbances 

 of growth characterized by elongation of the limbs, or 

 enlargement of the extremities. These disturbances, 

 associated with a delay in the development of the genital 

 organs, is a mild pituitary syndrome. 



Brissaud has found in adolescent symptoms of transi- 

 tory acromegalia: large hands, big feet, large nose, deep 

 voice, which become less marked as growth continues. 



Launois and Roy have also noticed at puberty a transi- 

 tory gigantism characterized by a lack of harmony be- 

 tween the growth of the trunk and of the lower limbs. 

 The children appear to be on stilts and often have genu 

 valgum. The disproportion of the limbs disappears when 

 the development of the genitals is complete. This dys- 

 trophic condition is also found in young girls whose height 

 is excessive, with very long legs, while the thorax stays 

 narrow and the breasts are hardly developed. Men- 

 struation is irregular or accompanied by waves of heat 

 and headache. 



In other young girls the syndrome of adiposo-genitalis 

 is just noticeable around puberty. The body keeps the 

 rounded appearance of the child ; the skin is white, edema- 

 tous, possibly myxedematous. The mons veneris is infil- 

 trated with fat; the hairs are scarce and the menses few, 

 irregular and painful. 



2. DURING PREGNANCY the anterior lobe of the 

 pituitary shows histological modifications and the gland 



