Imaging features in children with Kallmann syndrome

Objective: To summarize imaging features of Kallmann syndrome (KS) in children and to improve diagnostic level of the disease. Methods: The imaging manifestations of 13 patients with clinically proved KS were retrospectively studied. MRI of rhinencephalon and left wrist X-ray examinations were performed in all the 13 children. Ultrasound of abdomen and pelvis was implemented in the 8 of 13 patients. Results: All the patients had abnormalities of olfactory system. Bilateral olfactory bulbs and tracts were absent in 9 patients. Unilateral olfactory bulbs and tracts were absent in 4 patients, in which contralateral olfactory bulbs and tracts were hypoplastic. These patients presented 2 aplastic, 17 hypoplastic and 7 normal olfactory sulci. Anterior pituitary was hypoplastic in 3 patients. Bone age showed retardation in 6 of 13 patients. Bilateral testicles were small in all the 8 cases by ultrasound. Conclusions: Aplastic or hypoplastic olfactory bulbs and tracts and sulci are seen in children with KS. Anterior pituitary dysplasia is present in part of patients and bone age backward happens in approximate half of the children. (authors)