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. 2003 May;88(5):414–418. doi: 10.1136/adc.88.5.414

Cranial MRI scans are indicated in all girls with central precocious puberty

S Ng 1, Y Kumar 1, D Cody 1, C Smith 1, M Didi 1, M Donaldson 1
PMCID: PMC1719560  PMID: 12716713

Abstract

Aims: (1) To assess the value of cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans in the investigation of girls with central precocious puberty (CPP); and (2) to determine the clinical predictors of abnormal cranial MRI scans in these patients.

Methods: A retrospective study of 67 girls diagnosed with CPP who underwent cranial MRI scans at diagnosis. Patients with neurological signs or symptoms at presentation were excluded.

Results: The mean age of onset of puberty was 6.2 years (range 2.0–7.9). Intracranial abnormalities were present in 10 (15%) patients (MR+), while 57 (85%) had no abnormalities (MR-). There was no statistical difference between MR+ patients and MR- patients at presentation with respect to age of onset of puberty, pubertal stage, bone age advance, pelvic ultrasound findings, or height or body mass index standard deviation scores (SDS).

Conclusion: Girls with CPP should have a cranial MRI scan as part of their assessment since clinical features, including age, are not helpful in predicting those with underlying pathology. Implementation of such an approach may have a substantial effect on clinical practice and healthcare cost.

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Figure 1.

Figure 1

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Large arachnoid cyst.

Figure 2.

Figure 2

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Hypothalamic pilocytic astrocytoma.

Selected References

These references are in PubMed. This may not be the complete list of references from this article.

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