Surveying Current Practices in the Use of Gadolinium-Based Contrast Agents for Routine Brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Evaluation of Isolated Growth Hormone Deficiency Among US Pediatric Endocrinologists

Authors

Daniel Mak, Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA, dmak@uams.edu.
Emily Breidbart, Division Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Pediatrics, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA.
Shilpa Mehta, Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, New York Medical College, Valhalla, New York, USA.
Brenda Kohn, Division Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Pediatrics, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA.

Author Type(s)

Faculty

DOI

10.1159/000541661

Journal Title

Hormone Research in Paediatrics

First Page

158

Last Page

161

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-1-2026

Department

Pediatrics

Keywords

Gadolinium-based contrast agents, Isolated growth hormone deficiency, Non-contrast imaging, Survey study

Disciplines

Medicine and Health Sciences

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: This survey investigates brain MRI practices for isolated GHD among Pediatric Endocrine Society (PES) members, focusing on gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) versus non-contrast MRI. METHODS: A 15-question survey was distributed to 1,553 PES members, capturing data on GBCA usage, non-contrast imaging access, and awareness of gadolinium retention. RESULTS: A total of 85% of respondents routinely order brain MRIs for isolated GHD, with 60% using GBCAs. Most respondents have access to high-resolution non-contrast imaging, though 54% are unaware of gadolinium retention risks. CONCLUSION: High-resolution non-contrast MRI demonstrates diagnostic efficacy, suggesting a shift away from GBCAs in clinic practice for isolated GHD. The survey forms the basis to update PES guidelines in the evaluation of isolated GHD.

Recommended Citation

Mak, D., Breidbart, E., Mehta, S., & Kohn, B. (2026). Surveying Current Practices in the Use of Gadolinium-Based Contrast Agents for Routine Brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Evaluation of Isolated Growth Hormone Deficiency Among US Pediatric Endocrinologists. Hormone Research in Paediatrics, 99 (1), 158-161. https://doi.org/10.1159/000541661