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Pituitary stalk compression by the dorsum sellae: possible cause for late childhood onset growth disorders

Toshiaki Taoka1, Satoru Iwasaki, Shingo Okamoto

  • 1Department of Radiology, Nara Medical University, Nara 634-8522, Japan. ttaoka@naramed-u.ac.jp

Magnetic Resonance Imaging
|June 1, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Pituitary stalk compression by the dorsum sellae was observed in children with short stature. This compression correlated significantly with a later onset age of short stature, but not height or growth hormone levels.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Endocrinology
  • Neuroimaging
  • Growth Disorders

Background:

  • Short stature in children can have various underlying causes.
  • Pituitary stalk compression is a potential factor affecting growth.
  • The role of the dorsum sellae in pituitary stalk compression requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between pituitary stalk compression by the dorsum sellae and clinical/laboratory findings in children with short stature.
  • To compare growth parameters and hormone levels in children with and without pituitary stalk compression.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the pituitary gland and stalk.
  • Evaluation of pituitary stalk compression by the dorsum sellae in 34 short stature children with growth hormone (GH) deficiency and 24 controls.
  • Statistical comparison of body height, GH level, pituitary height, and onset age.

Main Results:

  • Pituitary stalk compression with deformity was identified in 9 short stature children, but not in controls.
  • No significant differences were found in body height, GH level, or pituitary height.
  • A significant difference in the onset age of short stature was observed between compressed and non-compressed groups.

Conclusions:

  • Pituitary stalk compression by the dorsum sellae is linked to a later onset of short stature in children.
  • This finding suggests a potential impact on the timing of growth disturbances.
Abstract

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