Phenotype and radiological correlation in patients with growth hormone deficiency.

OBJECTIVE

To confirm that MRI findings like hypoplastic anterior pituitary, thin or interrupted pituitary stalk, and ectopic posterior pituitary (EPP) in patients with growth hormone deficiency are a good indicator of the severity of hypopituitarism.

METHODS

MR images were obtained for 44 patients (IGHD: CPHD; 30:14) and analyzed to define one or more of the following triad of abnormalities: small/absent anterior pituitary, thin or interrupted pituitary stalk, and EPP, as well as for any other associated anomalies. The findings were correlated with the clinical and biochemical presentation.

RESULTS

Pituitary abnormalities were common in both groups (53% with IGHD, 79% with CPHD). Breech delivery, neonatal hypoglycemia, jaundice, micropenis, birth asphyxia occurred more commonly in CPHD compared to IGHD. In patients whose peak growth hormone (GH) level was less than 3 ng/ml (n: 37), 68% had the MR triad; while none of them with GH>3 ng/ml had pituitary abnormality on MRI.

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of structural anomalies in the hypothalamic pituitary area in patients with GHD suggests severity of hypopituitarism and MRI of hypothalamic pituitary area may aid in diagnosis of patients with suspected GHD.