Association of adverse perinatal events with an empty sella turcica in children with growth hormone deficiency

High-resolution computed tomography (HR-CT) of the hypothalamo-pituitary region was performed in 26 consecutive children presenting with growth hormone deficiency (GHD) at one clinic. 58% had an empty sella turcica (ES) and 42% a full sella turcica (FS). There was no difference between the ES and FS groups for mean (95% confidence limits) presentation age (ES 6.7 (±1.8) years, FS 5.6 (±2.2) years), height standard deviation score (SDS) (ES - 3.9 (±0.8), FS - 3.3 (±0.5)) nor head circumference SDS (ES - 1.9 (±1.1), FS - 0.7 (±1.1)). There were significant associations between the ES group and a history of adverse perinatal events (p