MRI needed in children with GHD, peak GH levels <5 ng/mL

MRI abnormality is more likely in pediatric patients with GHD who had peak GH levels <5 ng/mL and in children with multiple pituitary hormonal deficiencies (MPHD), according to a study

Researchers reviewed the charts of 399 children between the ages of 3-16 years with GHD who underwent pituitary MRI. Participants were divided according to peak stimulated GH levels, including ≤5 (group A), 5-7.4 (group b), and 7.5-10 ng/m (group c).

Abnormal MRI was found in 36.9% of children in group A, 16.7% in group B, and 17.0% in group C. Higher rates of abnormalities were noted in patients with MPHD compared to children with isolated GHD, whereas participants with isolated GHD were more likely to have abnormal MRI with peak GH level <5 ng/mL compared to the other group levels.

In group A, 4 children had a craniopharyngioma.

Reference
Mamilly L, Pyle-Eilola AL, Chaudhari M, et al. The necessity of magnetic resonance imaging in the evaluation of pediatric growth hormone deficiency: Lessons from a large academic center. Growth Horm IGF Res. 2021;60-61:101427. doi: 10.1016/j.ghir.2021.101427. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 34592640.