[Precocious puberty due to hypothalamic hamartoma]

Pediatr Endocrinol Diabetes Metab. 2008;14(4):257-61.
[Article in Polish]

Abstract

Introduction: Central precocious puberty is usually idiopathic. Appearance of the precocious puberty symptoms in early childhood or pre-school period indicate that also it could be caused by organic disorder of the central nervous system. The aim of this work is to present the case of the 4-year-old girl, diagnosed with precocious puberty.

The case report: The first clinical symptoms of precocious puberty such as increased growth rate and breast enlargement were observed when the girl was 4 years old. The height (above the 97 centile) and weight (90-97 centile) were measured during the physical examination. The advancement of sexual features was determined as follows: thelarche III degrees , pubarche II degrees , axillarche II degrees . The LHRH test used in this differential diagnosis revealed the pubertal level of gonadotropins, when plasma levels of dehydroepiandrosterone, prolactin, thyroid-stimulating hormone and alpha-fetoprotein levels were correct. The advanced bone age was 8 years and 10 months, while the height age was 7 years. The final diagnosis was based on MRI scan. The patient is currently treated with an analog of gonadoliberine (Diphereline). In conclusion, we aspired to notice that the pharmacological treatment of hypothalamic hamartoma may be safe and effective. Suppression of puberty to the normal time of pubescence gives a child the chance to reduce health discomforts as well as further emotional and social problems.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Hamartoma / complications*
  • Hamartoma / diagnosis*
  • Humans
  • Hypothalamic Diseases / complications*
  • Hypothalamic Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Puberty, Precocious / etiology*