Cutis verticis gyrata: its computed tomographic demonstration in acromegaly

A retrospective review of the 17 cases of acromegaly, recorded in the hospital and with available CT scans was undertaken in order to determine the presence and of cutis verticis gyrata (CVG) frequency, and the spectrum of other associated radiographic appearances of CVG. The hormone levels were analysed, and the histopathology of the surgical specimens reviewed. Five cases were uncovered. In these, the scalp in CVG was markedly thickened with convoluted, gyriform or cog-wheel appearances. There was no correlation in the age, sex, duration of symptoms or the hormone levels in these two groups of acromegalics: with or without CVG. All cases were histologically pituitary adenoma. It is concluded that CVG is not uncommon in acromegaly. Its presence on a CT scan should caution the radiologist to the presence of pituitary adenoma or any of the other neurological causes of CVG.