Height of normal pituitary gland as a function of age evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging in children

Pediatr Radiol. 1991;21(4):247-9. doi: 10.1007/BF02018614.

Abstract

MR anatomy of hypothalamo-hypophyseal axis is well established. However data about pituitary gland height (PGH) in children are sparse. A retrospective study was therefore performed in 60 children (30 boys and 30 girls) aged from 8 days to 21 years. All these children had MR for various neurological diseases. Patients with hypothalamo-hypophyseal disease and intracranial hypertension were excluded. The PGH was measured on a strict midline sagittal T1 weighted scan 3 to 7 mm thick. A positive linear correlation was found in children aged from 1 year to puberty followed by a plateau. In the first year of life a negative linear correlation was found. A positive linear correlation was found between PGH and statural height as well.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aging / pathology*
  • Analysis of Variance
  • Body Height
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging*
  • Male
  • Pituitary Gland / anatomy & histology*
  • Puberty
  • Retrospective Studies