Abnormalities of Hypothalamic-Pituitary MR Imaging and Pituitary Function in Patients with Growth Hormone Deficiency |
Hun-Gy Kim, Han-Wook Yoo |
Department of Pediatrics, Asan Medical Center, Ulsan University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea |
성장호르몬 결핍증 환아의 뇌하수체 기능과 시상하부-뇌하수체 자기공명영상의 변화 |
김훈기, 유한욱 |
울산대학교 의과대학 서울중앙병원 소아과 |
Correspondence:
Han-Wook Yoo, Email: 1 |
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Abstract |
Purpose : In this study, efforts have been made to evaluate the sella MRI in 14 patients with
growth hormone deficiency to define more clearly the structural abnormalities of the hypothalamohypophyseal
axis, examine frequency of these abnormalities, and determine whether a relationship
exists between the sella MRI findings and types of endocrine dysfunction.
Methods : Sella MRI was performed in 14 patients who were diagnosed as growth hormone
deficiency(GHD) based on a strict diagnostic criteria. If abnormal sella MR findings were
associated, then combined anterior pituitary function test was carried out.
Results : Among the 14 patients with GHD, complete deficiency was found in 10 patients and
partial deficiency in 4 patients. Three with complete GHD showed normal MRI findings and
isolated GHD only. Others revealed 3 pituitary stalk interruption syndrome(PSIS), 2 hypoplastic
pituitary gland, 1 prolactinoma, and 1 Langerhans histiocytosis. These patients have multiple
endocrine dysfunctions in addition to GHD. Three out of 4 patients with partial GHD, showed
normal sella MR findings and isolated GHD. Only one patient with partial GHD had a delayed
puberty and hypoplasia of pituitary gland.
Conclusion : Sella MRI enables us to identify mophologic pictures in GHD previously considered
‘idiopathic’. Abnormal sella MR findings strongly suggest that multiple hormone deficiencies are
associated. This study justifies that routine sella MRI should be recommended in an attempt to
identify the etiology of GHD in case that the diagnosis of GHD is strictly made. |
Key Words:
Growth hormone deficiency, Sella MRI, Hypothalamo-hypophyseal axis |
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