An ectopic posterior pituitary reflects a disruption of normal embryogenesis and is one of the more common causes of pituitary dwarfism. Although it can be an isolated abnormality, numerous other congenital central nervous system malformations have been identified.

No treatment is required for the ectopic pituitary per se, but rather for the frequently associated growth hormone deficiency, or less frequently panhypopituitarism. Growth hormone replacement is available in selected patients and can improve adult height.