Case Report: SARS-CoV-2 Infection in a Child With Suprasellar Tumor and Hypothalamic-Pituitary Failure

Rossella Gaudino1,2, Valentina Orlandi1, Paolo Cavarzere1,2

  • 1Section of Paediatrics, Department of Surgery, Dentistry, Paediatrics and Gynaecology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy.

Insights

COVID-19 is generally mild in children, even those with compromised immune systems and endocrine disorders. This case study shows a child with a brain tumor and multiple hormonal deficiencies experienced no symptoms from SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Endocrinology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pediatric Oncology

Background:

  • The COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 has raised concerns about its impact on individuals with pre-existing endocrine conditions.
  • Limited data exists on SARS-CoV-2 infection in pediatric patients with intracranial malignant neoplasms and associated endocrine dysfunctions.

Observation:

  • A 9-year-old child with a suprasellar non-germinomatous germ cell tumor, diabetes insipidus, and hypothalamic-pituitary failure (hypothyroidism, adrenal insufficiency, hypothalamic obesity, growth hormone deficiency) was infected with SARS-CoV-2.
  • The child remained asymptomatic throughout the SARS-CoV-2 infection and required no adjustments to their existing hormone replacement therapies.

Findings:

  • SARS-CoV-2 infection in this pediatric case was mild and self-limiting.
  • The patient's complex endocrine deficits did not lead to severe COVID-19 symptoms or necessitate changes in treatment.

Implications:

  • This case suggests that SARS-CoV-2 infection may be well-tolerated in immunocompromised children with multiple endocrine deficits.
  • Pediatric patients with similar conditions should continue with scheduled appointments unless advised otherwise by their healthcare providers.

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