Utility of magnetic resonance imaging in the evaluation of the child with central diabetes insipidus.

Publication/Presentation Date

5-1-2002

Abstract

Because of the association of central diabetes insipidus (CDI) and occult neoplasia, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an important component of the diagnostic evaluation of a child with CDI. In more than 90% of these children, MRI (T1 weighted-image, without contrast) demonstrates an absence of the normal hyperintensity of the posterior pituitary. In one third of patients, the pituitary stalk is also thickened, suggesting infiltrative disease. Of those with a thickened stalk, the etiology of the CDI remains undetermined in about 60% of patients, whereas histiocytosis and occult germinoma each account for approximately 15-20% of patients. In contrast, germinoma is infrequent (3%) in children with CDI and an MRI showing a normal infundibular stalk, though histiocytosis still accounts for 15-20% of patients. In this paper, a diagnostic approach in children with CDI is proposed.

Volume

15 Suppl 2

First Page

681

Last Page

687

ISSN

0334-018X

Disciplines

Medicine and Health Sciences | Pediatrics

PubMedID

12092681

Department(s)

Department of Pediatrics

Document Type

Article

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