pituitary dwarf [L, pituita, phlegm; AS, dweorge] , a individual whose impaired growth development is caused by a deficiency of growth hormone resulting from hypofunction of the anterior lobe of the pituitary. In most cases the cause is unknown and the defect is limited to a lack of somatotropin, although in some instances gonadotropins, adrenocorticotropic hormone, and thyroid stimulating hormone also may be deficient. The body is properly proportioned, with no facial or skeletal deformities, and mental and sexual development is normal. The condition is usually diagnosed in childhood by radiographic examination of the bones and radioimmunoassay of levels of plasma growth hormone. Also called hypophyseal dwarf, Lévi-Lorain dwarf, Paltauf’s dwarf.
