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Measures of pituitary gland and stalk: from neonate to adolescence

Sebahattin Sari, Erkan Sari, Veysel Akgun

    Journal of Pediatric Endocrinology & Metabolism : JPEM
    |November 5, 2014
    PubMed

    Insights

    This study provides crucial normative data on pituitary gland and stalk dimensions in children aged 0-18. These findings aid in diagnosing hypothalamo-pituitary axis disorders in pediatric patients.

    Area of Science:

    • Pediatric Radiology
    • Endocrinology
    • Neuroimaging

    Background:

    • Pituitary gland and stalk imaging is vital for evaluating hypothalamo-pituitary axis disorders.
    • Normative data for pituitary dimensions in pediatric populations are limited.
    • Abnormalities in pituitary structure can indicate infection, inflammation, or neoplasia.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To establish normative reference ranges for pituitary gland and pituitary stalk dimensions in a pediatric cohort.
    • To provide essential data for the accurate interpretation of pituitary MRI in children.
    • To address the scarcity of detailed pediatric pituitary imaging data.

    Main Methods:

    • Retrospective analysis of 517 pediatric pituitary MRI scans (ages 0-18) from a Turkish cohort.
    • Standardized measurement protocols for pituitary gland and stalk dimensions were established and validated.
    • Interobserver variability was assessed and found to be negligible.

    Main Results:

    • Median pituitary gland height varied by age and sex, with maximums of 8.48±1.08 mm (girls) and 6.19±0.88 mm (boys).
    • Minimum median pituitary gland heights were 3.91±0.75 mm (girls) and 3.81±0.68 mm (boys).
    • Pituitary stalk to basilar artery ratios ranged from 0.56-0.73 mm, with slight variations between sexes.

    Conclusions:

    • This study presents comprehensive normative data for pediatric pituitary gland and stalk dimensions across various age groups.
    • The generated data are valuable for clinical application in diagnosing pediatric endocrine and neurological conditions.
    • Further research with larger, diverse cohorts correlating imaging findings with clinical data is recommended.
    Abstract

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