What Is Hidden Behind Growth Hormone Deficiency? The Neuroradiologist's Perspective.

Abstract

Growth hormone deficiency can be congenital or acquired. While acquired cases are related to organic causes that affect the hypothalamic-pituitary axis, structural abnormalities may or may not be detected in congenital cases. Hence, brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is paramount in this context since it reflects diverse pathological processes with prognostic importance. This article will discuss the neuroradiologist's perspective on pediatric growth hormone deficiency assessment. The most common hypothalamic-pituitary findings will be explored, based on a brief overview of the pituitary development as well as on a review of the normal pituitary gland MRI appearance and the technical requirements for adequate imaging of the sellar and supra-sellar regions.