Clinico-radiological correlation in childhood hypopituitarism

Indian Pediatr. 2010 Jul;47(7):615-8. doi: 10.1007/s13312-010-0135-x. Epub 2009 Oct 14.

Abstract

Non-tumor etiology constitutes a major group of childhood hypopituitarism. Magnetic resonance imaging has enormously complimented hormonal assessment in these patients. We describe clinico-radiological correlates in thirty-one children (23 boys), aged 1-17 years with a peak GH (growth hormone) levels <7 ng/mL after pharmacological stimuli. Hypoplastic pituitary gland was the most frequent abnormality in children with isolated growth hormone deficiency (IGHD) as compared to stalk abnormalities in children with multiple pituitary hormone deficiencies. MRI tetrad (hypoplastic/absent pituitary, hypoplastic stalk, absent/ectopic posterior pituitary bright spot and empty sella) was more prevalent in IGHD. MRI abnormalities correlated with the severity of growth hormone deficiency.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Chi-Square Distribution
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Congenital Abnormalities
  • Female
  • Genetic Diseases, Inborn
  • Growth Hormone* / blood
  • Growth Hormone* / deficiency
  • Humans
  • Hypopituitarism* / blood
  • Hypopituitarism* / pathology
  • Infant
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Pituitary Gland / abnormalities*

Substances

  • Growth Hormone