Pubertal gynecomastia coincides with peak height velocity.
OBJECTIVE
Pubertal gynecomastia (PG) occurs in up to 65% of adolescent boys. In this study, we investigated the relationship between the ages at which PG and peak height velocity occur in pubertal boys.


METHODS
This was a prospective study that was designed to detect PG within three months of its emergence. We examined one hundred and six boys who were followed for short stature and/or delayed puberty at three month intervals, and gynecomastia was observed in 43 of these boys (40.5%).


RESULTS
PG occurred in the 43 boys within a year of their peak height velocity, and most of these boys were at Tanner stage 3 for pubic hair and had testicular volumes between 8-10 mL.


CONCLUSIONS
It is recommended that evaluation of height growth be included in the diagnostic approach to PG in boys with short stature and/or delayed puberty. The coincidence of age of peak height velocity and PG suggests a causal relationship between the two events and a role of insulin-like growth factor-1.
Migdaley-Hakenyon, P.O. Box 616, Beer Sheva 84600, Israel. limony@zahav.net.il.
Yehuda
Y
Limony
Michael
M
Friger
Ze'ev
Z
Hochberg
D000293:Adolescent; D001827:Body Height / Q000502:physiology*; D006177:Gynecomastia; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011628:Puberty, Delayed / Q000503:physiopathology; D012741:Sexual Maturation