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Growth hormone deficiency - Symptom

Alternative Names

Panhypopituitarism; Dwarfism; Pituitary dwarfism

Symptoms:

Signs and tests:

A physical examination including weight, height, and body proportions will show signs of slowed growth rate and deviation from normal growth curves.

Tests may include the following:

  • DEXA (dual energy x-ray absorptiometry) can also determine bone age.
  • Hand x-ray can determine bone age.
  • Measurement of growth hormone and associated binding protein levels (IGF-I and IGFBP-3) reveals if the growth problem is caused by dysfunction of the pituitary gland.
  • MRI of the head can show the hypothalamus and pituitary glands.
  • Tests to measure other hormone levels (lack of growth hormone may not be the only problem).
  • X-ray of head may show problems with the skull, such as small, enlarged, or empty sella, or a space-occupying lesion.
  • Reviewed last on: 2/27/2008
  • Rachel A. Lewis, MD, FAAP, Columbia University Pediatric Faculty Practice, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.