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.

Keywords:
Child, Arachnoidal cyst, Hypothalamic, Pituitary, Dysfunction
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2000
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