Non-functioning pituitary microadenoma in children and adolescents: Is follow-up with diagnostic imaging necessary?

Abstract

Purpose No consensus exists regarding follow-up recommendations for suspected pituitary microadenoma in children. To address this knowledge gap, we investigated the growth potential of pituitary solid and cystic lesions < 10 mm in children and evaluated the accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measurements. Methods The children included were < 18 years at first pituitary MRI and radiologically diagnosed with a non-functioning microadenoma or cyst < 10 mm. Lesion size at first and latest MRI as well as all individual MRI examinations were re-evaluated. Results In total, 74 children, median age 12 years (range 3–17), had a non-functioning microadenoma, probable microadenoma, or cyst. Of these, 55 underwent repeated MRI (median 3, range 2–7) with a median follow-up of 37 months (range 4–189). None of the pituitary lesions without hormonal disturbances increased significantly during follow-up. Two radiologists agreed that no lesion could be identified in 38/269 (14%) MRI examinations, and in 51/231 (22%) they disagreed about lesion location. In 34/460 (7%) MRI measurements size differed > 2 mm, which had been considered significant progression. Conclusion Non-functioning pituitary microadenoma in children has small size variations, often below the spatial resolution of the scanners. We suggest lesions < 4 mm only for clinical follow-up, lesions 4–6 mm for MRI after 2 years and ≥ 7 mm MRI after 1 and 3 years, with clinical follow-up in between. If no progression, further MRI should only be performed after new clinical symptoms or hormonal disturbances.