Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) Findings and Brain Maturity Index in Children with Idiopathic Short Stature and Growth Hormone Deficiency: A Comprehensive Review

Ashraf Soliman; Fawzia Alyafei; Nada Alaaraj; Noor Hamed; Shayma Ahmed; Noora AlHemedi; Ahmed Elawwa; Abbas Noureldin

Introduction: Idiopathic short stature (ISS) and growth hormone deficiency (GHD) are conditions that can result in various cognitive and behavioral abnormalities. Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) is a valuable tool for investigating brain functional connectivity and maturity, offering insights into the neurological underpinnings of ISS and GHD. This review summarizes fMRI findings and their clinical associations, highlighting differences in brain maturity indices and functional connectivity in children with ISS and GHD.

Methods: 8 studies were selected based on relevance to fMRI results, brain maturity indices, and clinical correlations.

Results:


Author	Year	Sample Size	fMRI Findings	Clinical Associations
Hu et al.	2019	53 ISS, 31 GHD	Decreased FCDs in left postcentral gyrus, right precentral gyrus, and cerebellar lobules	FCD values in left postcentral gyrus correlated with IGFBP-3 and IGF-1 levels
Andrade et al.	2022	102 children	16.7% diagnostic yield of multigene analysis in children with ISS	Genetic diagnosis impacted clinical management for some children
Moeller et al.	2008	10 children	EEG/fMRI studies show BOLD signal changes related to IED in children with benign focal epilepsy	Functional disturbances in frontal brain areas during IED, linked to neuropsychological findings
Dosenbach et al.	2010	238 scans	Development of brain maturity index using resting-state fMRI	Index allows accurate prediction of brain maturity, highlighting changes in functional connectivity over development
Zhang et al.	2020	24 ISS, 24 GHD	Smaller gray matter volume, cortical surface area, and gray matter thickness in GHD compared to ISS	Correlations between gray matter volume, cortical surface area, and IGF-I levels
Webb et al.	2012	15 GHD, 14 ISS	Decreased brain volumes and white matter integrity in GHD compared to ISS	Cognitive and motor deficits linked to brain structural changes
Zhang et al.	2020	26 GHD, 15 controls	Abnormal ALFF in children with GHD	Abnormal brain functional activity linked to cognitive and behavioral abnormalities
Zhang et al.	2020	26 GHD, 15 controls	Abnormal amplitude of spontaneous low-frequency fluctuation in GHD	Cognitive and behavioral deficits associated with brain activity changes

Discussion and Conclusion: Studies indicate significant differences in functional connectivity, brain volumes, and brain activity between children with ISS and GHD. Clinical associations highlight the impact of these changes on cognitive and motor functions, emphasizing the importance of fMRI in diagnosing and managing these conditions. Continued research is essential to further elucidate mechanisms underlying ISS and GHD and improve clinical outcomes for affected children.

ESPE Abstracts

P3-316