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The endocrine spectrum of arachnoid cysts in childhood
A Mohn1, E Schoof, R Fahlbusch
1Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Children's Hospital, University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany.
Insights
Intracranial arachnoid cysts can cause various endocrine disorders in children, including hormone deficiencies and precocious puberty. Regular patient follow-up is crucial for managing these conditions.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Neuroendocrinology
- Pediatric Neurosurgery
Background:
- Arachnoid cysts are typically linked to neurological issues, with limited data on their endocrine impact.
- Understanding the endocrine consequences of arachnoid cysts is essential for comprehensive patient care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report the clinical experience with hypothalamic-pituitary disturbances in children with arachnoid cysts.
- To review the existing literature on arachnoid cysts and endocrinopathies.
Main Methods:
- Case series of 6 children (birth to 12 years) with endocrine disorders secondary to intracranial arachnoid cysts.
- Literature review to supplement case findings and provide broader context.
Main Results:
- Isolated hormone abnormalities observed in 3 children: precocious puberty (2) and growth hormone (GH) deficiency (1).
- One child exhibited both GH deficiency and precocious puberty.
- Panhypopituitarism and diabetes insipidus developed in 2 children.
Conclusions:
- Arachnoid cysts can manifest a diverse range of endocrinological disorders in pediatric patients.
- Comprehensive and periodic follow-up is recommended for all patients diagnosed with arachnoid cysts.
Background:
On clinical grounds, arachnoid cysts are usually associated with neurological dysfunction. There is little information concerning their involvement in endocrinological disorders.
Patients:
The experience in 6 children (birth to 12 years) with hypothalamic-pituitary disturbances secondary to the presence of intracranial arachnoid cysts is reported and the literature is reviewed.
Results:
Three of our children were diagnosed with isolated hormone abnormalities (2 children with precocious puberty and 1 child with growth hormone, GH deficiency). One child presented the unusual combination of GH deficiency and precocious puberty. The remaining 2 children developed panhypopituitarism associated with diabetes insipidus.
Conclusion:
Arachnoid cysts may cause a wide spectrum of endocrinological disorders. Periodical and complete follow-up of every patient is recommended.