Facial metrics in children with corticotrophin-producing pituitary adenomas suggest abnormalities in midface development.

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND:Tumors of the hypothalamic-pituitary unit have been linked to genetic syndromes that are associated with midfacial abnormalities. AIM:We hypothesized that mutations of genes that affect the development of the face (and consequently of the anterior pituitary) may be present in children with ACTH-producing pituitary adenomas, and if this is true then facial measurements would be different from those predicted by parental features. METHODS:We studied 20 children with corticotropinomas and a control group and their parents. All facial measurements were expressed according to standard deviation scores. RESULTS:Significant differences were seen between the children with pituitary adenomas and their parents for vertical facial height measures: nasal length (p < 0.001), lower facial height (p < 0.03) and overall facial height (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION:We conclude that some of the indices of midline craniofacial development, in particular those affecting the vertical axis, are different in children with corticotroph adenomas producing ACTH.

SUBMITTER: Keil MF 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3143028 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature