Craniopharyngeal canal, morning glory disc anomaly and hypopituitarism: what do they have in common?

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Endocrinology
• Neuroimaging
• Developmental Biology

Background:

• Midline defects, such as basal encephalocele and morning glory disc anomaly, can be associated with endocrine dysfunction.
• Craniopharyngeal canal anomalies are rare and poorly described in pediatric populations.

Observation:

• A 14-year-old female presented with untreated growth hormone deficiency, pubertal delay, and hypothyroidism.
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) revealed a large craniopharyngeal canal alongside existing midline defects.

Findings:

• The co-occurrence of a large craniopharyngeal canal with basal encephalocele and endocrine abnormalities in a pediatric patient.
• This case highlights the association between craniopharyngeal canal size and pituitary/hypothalamic dysfunction.

Implications:

• Craniopharyngeal canal should be considered in the differential diagnosis for pediatric basal encephaloceles.
• Recognizing this association can improve diagnostic accuracy and patient management for endocrine and neurological conditions.