Related Experiment Videos
Acquired growth hormone deficiency due to pituitary stalk transection after head trauma in childhood
C Yamanaka1, T Momoi, I Fujisawa
1Department of Pediatrics, Kyoto University Faculty of Medicine, Japan.
Insights
Mild childhood head trauma can cause growth hormone deficiency, leading to gradual growth retardation. This occurs due to pituitary stalk transection, even without loss of consciousness or neurological deficits.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Neuroendocrinology
- Trauma Research
Background:
- Growth hormone deficiency (GHD) is a condition affecting childhood growth.
- Common causes include genetic factors, perinatal insults, and congenital abnormalities.
- The impact of mild head trauma on pituitary function is not well-established.
Observation:
- Two pediatric patients presented with gradual growth retardation following mild head trauma.
- Neither patient experienced loss of consciousness or subsequent neurological deficits.
- Endocrinological testing revealed confirmed growth hormone deficiency.
Findings:
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) demonstrated transection of the pituitary stalk in both patients.
- This anatomical disruption is consistent with impaired growth hormone secretion.
- The findings link mild head trauma to pituitary stalk injury and GHD.
Implications:
- Mild head trauma should be considered a potential cause of growth hormone deficiency in children.
- This broadens the spectrum of causative factors for GHD beyond traditional causes.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the mechanisms and prevalence of trauma-induced GHD.
Abstract:
Two patients are reported with growth hormone deficiency due to head trauma in childhood. Although their injuries were outwardly only slight and there was no loss of consciousness and no subsequent neurological deficits, they exhibited gradual growth retardation from the time of the trauma. Provocative endocrinological tests showed growth hormone deficiency and MRI showed transection of the pituitary stalk. These findings suggest that ordinary head trauma, as well as perinatal insult and congenital abnormalities, could be a cause of growth hormone deficiency.