Pituitary Volumes and Functions in Children with Growth Hormone Deficiency: Volumetric Magnetic Resonance Findings

Abstract

 Purpose: The purpose of the study was to compare pituitary volumes calculated from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with idiopathic growth hormone deficiency (GHD) without structural abnormalities in the pituitary gland with clinical and biochemical features. Methods: This study was designed as a retrospective review and the need for informed consent was waived. MRI of the head was performed for 39 male and 17 female patients ranging in age from 10 to 14 years. Pituitary volumes were calculated from sectional area and ellipsoid formula. Pituitary volumes were compared between boys and girls. Pituitary volumes were also compared with measurements of pituitary function, age, and standard deviation scores (SDS) for height. Results: Whole pituitary volumes in patients were 405.1 ± 150.6 mm3 for the male group and 348.6 ± 161.1 mm3 for the female group. No significant difference was identified between mean pituitary volumes of the female and male groups. A weak correlation was found between pituitary volume and height SDS for boys (ρ = 0.34, p = .03). For girls, a moderate correlation was identified between pituitary volume and FSH level (ρ = 0.67, p < .01). Conclusion: Pituitary volumes of GHD patients correlated with height SDS in boys and FSH levels in girls. Brain MRI can be used not only to rule out anatomical abnormalities of the pituitary gland in GHD patients, but also to assess pituitary functions in clinical settings.