Noncontrast MRI Protocol for Selected Pediatric Pituitary Endocrinopathies: A Procedure with High Diagnostic Yield and Potential to Reduce Anesthesia and Gadolinium-Based Contrast Exposure.

In our study, most relevant radiologic findings in patients with growth hormone deficiency, central precocious puberty, and short stature were detectable without contrast, providing evidence that contrast can be avoided in routine MR imaging evaluation of these indications. We propose a "rapid noncontrast pituitary" MR imaging protocol for pediatric patients presenting with growth hormone deficiency, central precocious puberty, or short stature, which may increase efficiency and decrease contrast and anesthesia exposure.