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Height of normal pituitary gland as a function of age evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging in children
M Argyropoulou1, F Perignon, F Brunelle
1Service de Radiologie Pediatrique, Hopital des Enfants-Malades, Paris, France.
Insights
Pituitary gland height (PGH) in children shows a positive linear correlation with age from 1 year to puberty, and a negative correlation in the first year of life. PGH also correlates positively with statural height.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Radiology
- Neuroimaging
- Endocrinology
Background:
- The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) anatomy of the hypothalamo-hypophyseal axis is well-documented.
- However, normative data regarding pituitary gland height (PGH) in pediatric populations are limited.
- This scarcity hinders accurate interpretation of PGH in children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish normative data for pituitary gland height (PGH) in a pediatric cohort.
- To investigate the correlation of PGH with age and statural height in children.
- To provide reference values for PGH in pediatric neuroimaging studies.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective analysis of MRI scans from 60 children (30 boys, 30 girls) aged 8 days to 21 years was conducted.
- Patients with hypothalamo-hypophyseal diseases or intracranial hypertension were excluded.
- Pituitary gland height (PGH) was measured on midline sagittal T1-weighted MRI scans (3-7 mm thick).
Main Results:
- A negative linear correlation was observed between PGH and age during the first year of life.
- A positive linear correlation was found between PGH and age from 1 year through puberty, followed by a plateau.
- A positive linear correlation was identified between PGH and statural height across the pediatric age range.
Conclusions:
- Pituitary gland height in children exhibits distinct age-related growth patterns, with significant correlations to both chronological age and statural height.
- These findings provide valuable reference data for assessing PGH in pediatric neuroimaging.
- Understanding these correlations aids in the diagnosis and management of pediatric endocrine and neurological conditions.
Abstract:
MR anatomy of hypothalamo-hypophyseal axis is well established. However data about pituitary gland height (PGH) in children are sparse. A retrospective study was therefore performed in 60 children (30 boys and 30 girls) aged from 8 days to 21 years. All these children had MR for various neurological diseases. Patients with hypothalamo-hypophyseal disease and intracranial hypertension were excluded. The PGH was measured on a strict midline sagittal T1 weighted scan 3 to 7 mm thick. A positive linear correlation was found in children aged from 1 year to puberty followed by a plateau. In the first year of life a negative linear correlation was found. A positive linear correlation was found between PGH and statural height as well.