Pituitary Dwarfism

Decreased bodily growth due primarily to hormonal problems.

Causes
      

Genetics Accident-related trauma to the pituitary gland Surgical injury of the pituitary Central nervous system trauma Central nervous system radiation Central nervous system tumour Leukaemia In most cases, the cause of dwarfism is not known (idiopathic).

Symptoms
    

Immature face Chubby body build Headache Vomiting Double vision

Investigations
 

Growth chart Physical examination including weight, height, and body proportions will show signs of slowed growth rate. Blood tests(to help diagnose GH deficiency) i. GNRH-arginine test ii. Growth hormone levels in the blood iii. Growth hormone stimulation test iv. Insulin tolerance test (ITT, often used to diagnose adults)

Imaging or x-ray tests i. Dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scans (to determine bone age) ii. Hand x-ray, usually the left hand (to determine bone age) iii. MRI of the head (to show the hypothalamus and pituitary glands)

Treatment
 

Growth hormone replacement therapy Providing emotional support