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Intracranial germinoma combined with parathyroid adenoma in a male pediatric patient: A case report
Tingting Zhang1,2, Chuanjie Yuan1,2, Juanjuan Lv1,2
1Department of Pediatric Genetic and Metabolic Endocrinology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
Insights
A rare case highlights that children with central diabetes insipidus (CDI) and pituitary stalk thickening need screening for intracranial germinoma. Simultaneous parathyroid and pituitary issues may indicate genetic disorders, warranting further investigation.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Neuro-oncology
- Endocrine Surgery
Background:
- Intracranial germinoma and parathyroid adenoma are rare in young patients.
- A 6.25-year-old boy presented with growth hormone deficiency, later diagnosed with central diabetes insipidus (CDI) and primary hyperparathyroidism.
- Initial imaging showed only a thickened pituitary stalk.
Abstract:
Cases of young patients combined with intracranial germinoma and parathyroid adenoma are extremely rare. A 6.25-year-old boy was diagnosed with growth hormone deficiency at his first visit and was then treated with growth hormone substitution. Later, he was clinically diagnosed with central diabetes insipidus (CDI) and primary hyperparathyroidism, whereas no abnormal imaging evidence was identified, except for a thickened pituitary stalk. Due to persistent follow-up, parathyroid adenoma and intracranial germinoma were verified in succession. The patient had derived benefits from parathyroidectomy and chemotherapy plus radiotherapy. We concluded that children and adolescents who present with CDI and pituitary stalk thickening should undergo repeated screenings for underlying intracranial germinoma. Multiple lesions involving the parathyroid gland and pituitary should alert physicians to the possibility of multiple endocrine neoplasia or other inherited diseases; therefore, genetic screening is recommended.
