Abstract

Aims: (1) To assess the value of cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans in the investigation of girls with central precocious puberty (CPP); and (2) to determine the clinical predictors of abnormal cranial MRI scans in these patients.

Methods: A retrospective study of 67 girls diagnosed with CPP who underwent cranial MRI scans at diagnosis. Patients with neurological signs or symptoms at presentation were excluded.

Results: The mean age of onset of puberty was 6.2 years (range 2.0–7.9). Intracranial abnormalities were present in 10 (15%) patients (MR⁺), while 57 (85%) had no abnormalities (MR⁻). There was no statistical difference between MR⁺ patients and MR⁻ patients at presentation with respect to age of onset of puberty, pubertal stage, bone age advance, pelvic ultrasound findings, or height or body mass index standard deviation scores (SDS).

Conclusion: Girls with CPP should have a cranial MRI scan as part of their assessment since clinical features, including age, are not helpful in predicting those with underlying pathology. Implementation of such an approach may have a substantial effect on clinical practice and healthcare cost.