The necessity of magnetic resonance imaging in the evaluation of pediatric growth hormone deficiency: Lessons from a large academic center

Background

Current guidelines indiscriminately recommend magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the pituitary gland in pediatric growth hormone deficiency (GHD). The relationship between abnormal MRI, most importantly a tumor, and peak GH levels is not well known.

Methods

In this retrospective chart review, pituitary MRI results of children, ages of 3–16 years with GHD were collected and divided into 3 groups according to peak stimulated GH levels; ≤5, 5–7.4 and 7.5–10 ng/mL, Groups A, B & C respectively. Clinical and MRI findings were compared between the groups.

Results

A total of 399 children were included. Abnormal MRI was found in 36.9% of group A subjects, compared to group B (16.7%) and group C (17.0%), both p values =0.0002. Children with multiple pituitary hormonal deficiencies (MPHD) had a higher rate of abnormalities than those with isolated GHD. Children with isolated GHD were more likely to have abnormal MRI with peak GH level < 5 ng/mL compared to those with levels, 5–7.4 & 7.5–10 ng/mL. 4 children in group A had a craniopharyngioma. ROC analysis comparing peak GH levels with abnormal MRI findings showed an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.614 and 0.728 for IGHD and MPHD, respectively.

Conclusion

Although abnormal MRI was found in all 3 study groups, it was more likely at GH level < 5 ng/mL and in children with MPHD. To avoid missing a tumor, the importance of imaging in children with GHD and peak GH levels <5 ng/mL cannot be overemphasized.