Short Stature Without Neurological Manifestations in a Child with a Suprasellar Tumor

Kun-Shan Cheng ^a, Nan-Chang Chiu ^b, Jon-Kway Huang ^c, Yann-Jinn Lee ^{b, d}

^aDepartment of Pediatrics, Hsinchu Mackay Memorial Hospital, Hsinchu, Taiwan
^bDepartment of Pediatrics, Taipei Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
^cDepartment of Radiology, Taipei Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
^dDepartment of Medical Research, Taipei Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan

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Abstract

Addressing the problem of short stature in pediatrics is challenging because normal somatic growth depends on a complex interaction between genetic, nutritional, and hormonal factors. We report a 14-year-old girl with deceleration of growth velocity and delayed puberty but no other discernible neurologic or ophthalmologic symptoms or signs. Clonidine and insulin tolerance tests confirmed growth hormone deficiency, and magnetic resonance imaging disclosed a suprasellar mass. This case demonstrates that growth failure may be the only early sign of suprasellar tumor. Rigorous pursuit of the cause of a growth disorder should thus be considered, as it may disclose a potentially serious but treatable condition.

Keywords

Growth hormone deficiency; Short stature; Suprasellar tumor