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