Radiologic Findings of Hamartomas of the Tuber Cinereum and Hypothalamus

Five cases, four histologically proved, or hamartoma of the tuber cinereum and hypothalamus in children (age range: 2--12 years) are reported. Three cases had pubertas praecox, and in all of these the hamartoma was located in the basal cistern between the chiasm and pons, and had a collar button shape and size typical of hamartoma of the tuber cinereum. In the third case, which presented with headache, a huge calcified mass in the suprasellar region was initially thought to be craniopharyngioma. The fourth case had a hamartoma within the substance of the hypothalamus and presented with hyponatremia and temporal lobe seizures.