MRI Characteristics and Radiomic Analysis of the Pineal Gland in Females Show No Significant Alterations at Puberty Onset
Overview
This study investigates the radiomic features of the pineal gland in girls with central precocious puberty (CPP) and finds no significant changes associated with puberty onset.
Background
Central precocious puberty (CPP) is characterized by early activation of the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis, necessitating accurate diagnostic methods. MRI is commonly employed to exclude central organic causes in CPP cases. The role of the pineal gland and its radiomic features in this context has been debated.
Data Highlights
No significant correlations between cyst features and basal/peak gonadotropin levels were observed. Radiomic analysis yielded ROC-AUC values of 0.64 for Reader 1 and 0.59 for Reader 2.
Key Findings
Two radiomic features were identified as predictive of CPP, but with poor inter-reader reliability.
The reference model based on pineal cyst features demonstrated a ROC-AUC of 0.52.
No significant alterations in pineal gland radiomic features were found at puberty onset.
The number and size of pineal cysts were not specific indicators for the onset of puberty.
Previous studies indicated varying results for pituitary gland radiomics.
Clinical Implications
The findings indicate that radiomic analysis of the pineal gland may not be a useful tool in the diagnostic workup for CPP.
Conclusion
This study finds that radiomic features of the pineal gland do not show consistent changes associated with puberty onset.
