In Vivo Characterization of Cortical and White Matter Microstructural Pathology in Growth Hormone-Secreting Pituitary Adenoma.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

The growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like-growth factor 1 (IGF-1) axis has long been recognized for its critical role in brain growth, development. This study was designed to investigate microstructural pathology in the cortex and white matter in growth hormone-secreting pituitary adenoma, which characterized by excessive secretion of GH and IGF-1.

METHODS:

29 patients with growth hormone-secreting pituitary adenoma (acromegaly) and 31 patients with non-functional pituitary adenoma as controls were recruited and assessed using neuropsychological test, surface-based morphometry, T1/T2-weighted myelin-sensitive magnetic resonance imaging, neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging, and diffusion tensor imaging.

RESULTS:

Compared to controls, we found 1) acromegaly had significantly increased cortical thickness throughout the bilateral cortex (pFDR < 0.05). 2) T1/T2-weighted ratio in the cortex were decreased in the bilateral occipital cortex and pre/postcentral central gyri but increased in the bilateral fusiform, insular, and superior temporal gyri in acromegaly (pFDR < 0.05). 3) T1/T2-weighted ratio were decreased in most bundles, and only a few areas showed increases in acromegaly (pFDR < 0.05). 4) Neurite density index (NDI) was significantly lower throughout the cortex and bundles in acromegaly (pTFCE < 0.05). 5) lower fractional anisotropy (FA) and higher mean diffusivity (MD), axial diffusivity (AD) and radial diffusivity (RD) in extensive bundles in acromegaly (pTFCE < 0.05). 6) microstructural pathology in the cortex and white matter were associated with neuropsychological dysfunction in acromegaly.

CONCLUSIONS:

Our findings suggested that long-term persistent and excess serum GH/IGF-1 levels alter the microstructure in the cortex and white matter in acromegaly, which may be responsible for neuropsychological dysfunction.

• Authors: Taoyang Yuan, Jianyou Ying, Chuzhong Li, Lu Jin, Jie Kang, Yuanyu Shi, Songbai Gui, Chunhui Liu, Rui Wang, Zhentao Zuo, Yazhuo Zhang
• Journal: Frontiers in oncology (Front Oncol) Vol. 11 Pg. 641359 ( 2021) ISSN: 2234-943X [Print] Switzerland
• PMID: 33912457 (Publication Type: Journal Article)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2021 Yuan, Ying, Li, Jin, Kang, Shi, Gui, Liu, Wang, Zuo and Zhang.