The Endocrine Spectrum of Arachnoid Cysts in Childhood

BACKGROUND: On clinical grounds, arachnoid cysts are usually associated with neurological dysfunction. There is little information concerning their involvement in endocrinological disorders. PATIENTS: The experience in 6 children (birth to 12 years) with hypothalamic-pituitary disturbances secondary to the presence of intracranial arachnoid cysts is reported and the literature is reviewed. RESULTS: Three of our children were diagnosed with isolated hormone abnormalities (2 children with precocious puberty and 1 child with growth hormone, GH deficiency). One child presented the unusual combination of GH deficiency and precocious puberty. The remaining 2 children developed panhypopituitarism associated with diabetes insipidus. CONCLUSION: Arachnoid cysts may cause a wide spectrum of endocrinological disorders. Periodical and complete follow-up of every patient is recommended.