MEDICAL BIOLOGY, HUMAN ANATOMY, PHYSIOLOGY AND PATHOLOGY - Ya.I. Fedonyuk 2010

ANATOMY, PHYSIOLOGY, PATHOLOGY

SECTION 3. ANATOMICAL AND PHYSIOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF BODY FUNCTION SELF-REGULATION

ENDOCRINE GLANDS AND THEIR PATHOLOGY

PITUITARY GLAND

2. PATHOLOGY OF THE ADENOHYPOPHYSIS

2.3. Pituitary dwarfism (HYPOPHYSEAL NANISM)

Pituitary dwarfism is a condition characterized by abnormally short stature (up to 130 cm in men and up to 120 cm in women) resulting from absolute or relative Growth Hormone deficiency.

The causes of pituitary dwarfism may include Genetic Defects in growth hormone synthesis, intoxication, prenatal trauma, vascular pathology, or tumors of the hypothalamo-pituitary system.

GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT retardation becomes noticeable at the age of 2 to 5 years. Body proportions remain well-balanced throughout life. The Skin is thin and delicate in childhood, and pale, wrinkled, with a yellowish tint in adulthood. The Muscular System is underdeveloped, and Muscle strength is reduced. Hair on the HEAD is thin and sparse, with a complete absence of body hair in other areas. Subcutaneous Adipose tissue is poorly developed. A characteristic feature is the delayed bone (radiological) age compared to chronological age, particularly between 17 and 20 years of age.

Intelligence is generally unimpaired, though patients exhibit rapid physical and mental fatigue. The reproductive Organs are underdeveloped (Ovaries, Uterus, and Vagina are reduced in size), the Mammary Glands are poorly developed, and Amenorrhea is typically observed. In men, the Testes fail to descend into the Scrotum (cryptorchidism), and the Penis and scrotum remain infantile in size. Patients are incapable of sexual life, and offspring are extremely rare.