Hypothalamic symptomatology and its relationship to diencephalic tumor in childhood

Autonomic dysfunction in a child may present confusing clinical phenomena which mimic other diseases. Various clinical manifestations were seen during the 6-year course of a child with an astrocytoma of the hypothalamus. These ranged from the initial features of the diencephalic syndrome of infancy to autonomic seizures with striking paroxysms of hypertension, tachycardia, and sweating. Disturbances in hormonal regulation and gastrointestinal abnormalities were possibly related to the autonomic disturbance. The mechanisms for these findings were poorly understood. We conclude that a diencephalic lesion should be suspected in any child exhibiting such findings.