An unusual association between growth hormone deficiency and a middle cranial fossa arachnoid cyst.

Abstract

Middle cranial fossa arachnoid cysts (MFACs) are frequently asymptomatic. Here, we report the case of a 10-year-old boy with growth hormone deficiency (GHD) and an MFAC. His linear growth had followed the -2.5 SD line. On physical examination, his height was 120.8 cm (-2.6 SD), and the level of insulin-like growth factor 1 was low (87 ng/mL). GH provocative tests revealed GHD and brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed an MFAC. We started treatment with GH replacement therapy (0.175 mg/kg/week). At the age of 12 years and 9 months, there were no interval changes in the features of the MFAC on the brain MRI. As his height was 145.5 cm (-1.7 SD) at the age of 13 years and 4 months, the therapy seems to be successful without sequelae. GH replacement therapy is suggested to be safe and effective to treat patients with GHD associated with arachnoid cysts.

• Authors: Yuji Koike, Nao Aoki, Yi Zhu
• Journal: Journal of pediatric endocrinology & metabolism : JPEM (J Pediatr Endocrinol Metab) Vol. 25 Issue 5-6 Pg. 573-5 ( 2012) ISSN: 0334-018X [Print] Germany
• PMID: 22876560 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Human Growth Hormone

Topics

• Adolescent
• Arachnoid Cysts (complications, pathology)
• Child
• Cranial Fossa, Middle (pathology)
• Dwarfism, Pituitary (complications, drug therapy, pathology)
• Hormone Replacement Therapy (methods)
• Human Growth Hormone (deficiency, therapeutic use)
• Humans
• Male