Pituitary gland size is a useful marker in diagnosing isolated growth hormone deficiency in short children

Asma Deeb, Salima Attia, Ghada Elhag, Abubaker El Fatih, Jaqan Reddy, Nico Nagelkerke

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

9 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Introduction: Diagnosis of isolated growth hormone deficiency (IGHD) can be challenging. As short stature is common in children, confirmed diagnosis is necessary prior to commencing treatment. Pituitary hypoplasia can be seen in children with IGHD. However, confirmatory studies are lacking. Aim: To test the application of pituitary size as a marker for IGHD in a population-matched control. Patient and Method: Subjects with IGHD were enrolled. Patients had brain magnetic resonance imaging, and the height and width of the pituitary were measured. Pituitary volume was calculated as (height×width)3/2. A control group was recruited. Results: Sixty patients and 130 controls were enrolled. The median and age range for the patients and controls were 11 and 3-16 years and 9 and 3-17 years, respectively. Cases had a significantly lower dimensions compared to controls (p<0.001). Conclusion: Pituitary volume can be a useful marker to compliment the diagnosis of IGHD in selected patients when population-relevant normative control data are used.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)981-984
Number of pages4
JournalJournal of Pediatric Endocrinology and Metabolism
Volume28
Issue number9-10
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Sept 1 2015
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • MRI
  • children
  • growth hormone
  • pituitary

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health
  • Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
  • Endocrinology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Pituitary gland size is a useful marker in diagnosing isolated growth hormone deficiency in short children'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this