Anterior hypopituitarism associated with sickle cell trait in a 13-year-old boy

ABSTRACT

We are reporting a 13-year-old boy with hypopituitarism associated with sickle cell trait. The patient was referred with growth arrest since 10-year of age, and had evidence of growth hormone deficiency, hypoadrenalism and secondary hypothyroidism. A magnetic resonance imaging study revealed an empty sella with no evidence of tumor. Review of the literature showed three patients with sickle cell trait and hypopituitarism, all being in the third decade or later of life. To our knowledge, this patient is the first case of sickle cell trait with anterior hypopituitarism in childhood. This case supports a causal relationship between sickle cell trait and hypopituitarism