Is There Any Relationship Between Idiopathic Scoliosis and Pineal Gland, Pituitary Gland, and Brain Ventricles?

Retrospective cohort. This paper aims to contribute to the determination of the possible factors that may be associated with idiopathic scoliosis (IS) by assessing the dimensions in the pineal and pituitary gland volumes, and brain ventricle morphometry. The role of hormones in growth and development is known. Growth hormones and melatonin play a role in bone metabolism. Some studies have shown that hormones that play roles in growth and development and the glands that secrete these hormones may affect the formation of scoliosis. A total of 46 subjects with scoliosis and 52 healthy subjects aged between 18 and 46 years were included in the study. Magnetic resonance imaging was used to measure pineal and pituitary gland volumes and brain ventricles. Also, the Cobb angle was evaluated using X-rays to determine the severity of scoliosis. The average Cobb angle in the IS group was 33.02±17.02 degrees. The mean volumes of the pineal and pituitary glands were 41.53±19.25 mm3, 215.15±82.39 mm3 in IS, and 57.75±31.04 mm3 and 284.90±96.90 mm3 in healthy groups, respectively (P<0.05). Frontal horn widths, fourth ventricle anteroposterior, and transverse diameters were lower in the IS group than in healthy subjects. There was a significant difference in 3 parameters, including the fourth ventricle anteroposterior, transverse diameter, and third ventricle width (P<0.05). The differences in the dimensions of pineal, and pituitary glands may be an underlying cause of scoliosis or support a link with scoliosis. Although the values of the brain ventricles differed in both groups, more studies are needed to determine the relationship between the brain ventricles and scoliosis. Gaining insight into neuroendocrine influences on spine development or a comprehensive understanding of how these factors affect the risk and progression of scoliosis is of clinical importance, as it may lead to innovative preventive strategies.