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Phenotype and radiological correlation in patients with growth hormone deficiency

Shrikrishna V Acharya1, Raju A Gopal, Anurag Lila

  • 1Department of Endocrinology, Seth G S Medical College and KEM Hospital Mumbai 12, Mumbai, Maharashta, India. drshri25@rediffmail.com

Indian Journal of Pediatrics
|October 8, 2010
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

MRI findings like a small pituitary or thin stalk in patients with growth hormone deficiency (GHD) indicate severe hypopituitarism. These structural anomalies on MRI aid in diagnosing GHD severity.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Endocrinology
  • Neuroradiology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Growth hormone deficiency (GHD) can result in significant health issues.
  • Identifying the severity of hypopituitarism is crucial for effective treatment.
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a key diagnostic tool in pediatric endocrinology.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate specific MRI findings as indicators of hypopituitarism severity in patients with GHD.
  • To correlate MRI abnormalities with clinical and biochemical data in GHD patients.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of MRI scans from 44 patients diagnosed with GHD (30 idiopathic GHD, 14 congenital GHD).
  • Assessment for a triad of abnormalities: hypoplastic anterior pituitary, thin/interrupted pituitary stalk, and ectopic posterior pituitary (EPP).
  • Correlation of MRI findings with peak growth hormone (GH) levels and clinical presentation.

Main Results:

  • Pituitary abnormalities were prevalent, seen in 53% of idiopathic GHD and 79% of congenital GHD cases.
  • The MRI triad was present in 68% of patients with peak GH levels < 3 ng/ml, but in none with GH > 3 ng/ml.
  • Certain birth-related complications were more frequent in congenital GHD patients.

Conclusions:

  • Structural anomalies in the hypothalamic-pituitary region on MRI suggest severe hypopituitarism in GHD patients.
  • MRI of the hypothalamic-pituitary area is a valuable aid in diagnosing the severity of GHD.
  • Early identification of GHD severity through MRI can guide timely therapeutic interventions.

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