Pituitary size fluctuation in long-term MR studies of PROP1 deficient patients: A persistent pathophysiological mechanism?

J Endocrinol Invest. 2006 May;29(5):462-6. doi: 10.1007/BF03344131.

Abstract

Inactivating PROP1 gene alterations are responsible for over 50% of familial combined pituitary hormone deficiency cases. Pituitary enlargement followed by regression and subnormal pituitary size has been documented in a number of PROP1 deficient patients. Data derived from PROP1 deficient mice (Ames dwarfs) have revealed some of the underlying cellular mechanisms. Nevertheless, long-term magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in two PROP1 deficient patients suggest the evolution of pituitary pathology as more complex and persistent than previously described. Patient A had enlarged pituitary gland (pituitary height: 9-10 mm), demonstrated by serial MRI carried out from age 5 to 8.5 yr, small pituitary gland (4 mm) at age 10 yr and pituitary enlargement (11 mm) at age 19 yr. Patient B had a pituitary gland of normal size at age 7 yr (5 mm), whereas at age 14.3 and 16.3 yr, an enlarged pituitary gland was disclosed (10 and 11 mm, respectively). Both series of events are suggestive of a persistent pathophysiological mechanism in the pituitary gland of patients with PROP1 gene defects. Therefore, long-term pituitary follow-up by MRI in such patients may be necessary even in the case of a small or normal pituitary gland. It must be noted that current data from the Ames dwarf mouse cannot fully explain the observed pituitary size fluctuation.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Homeodomain Proteins / genetics*
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Organ Size
  • Pituitary Diseases / genetics
  • Pituitary Diseases / pathology
  • Pituitary Diseases / physiopathology*
  • Pituitary Gland / pathology*
  • Pituitary Hormones / deficiency*

Substances

  • Homeodomain Proteins
  • Pituitary Hormones
  • Prophet of Pit-1 protein