Abstract
1/2026
vol. 32
Case report
Precocious puberty and preserved growth after craniopharyngioma treatment: case report and literature review
- Student Scientific Society, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poland
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology and Rheumatology, Institute of Pediatrics, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poland
- Doctoral School, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poland
- Department of Pediatric Radiology, Institute of Pediatrics, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poland
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Transplantology, Institute of Pediatrics, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poland
Pediatr Endocrinol Diabetes Metab 2026; 32 (1): 55-64
Online publish date: 2026/02/23
Central precocious puberty (CPP), resulting from premature activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, is usually idiopathic but may arise from central nervous system tumors or head radiotherapy. Craniopharyngiomas, comprising up to 80% of pediatric suprasellar tumors, are a notable cause. We present the case of a 6.5-year-old girl with CPP and growth hormone deficiency (GHD) following a diagnosis of craniopharyngioma at the age of 4 years. Treatment included subtotal tumor resection and cranial radiotherapy (54 Gy). On admission, she exhibited advanced pubertal signs and elevated gonadotropins and estradiol levels. She presented with height within 50th–75th percentiles, weight within 90th–97th percentiles, predicted adult height 146.1 cm, and accelerated bone age. CPP was confirmed, and gonadotropin-releasing hormone analog therapy was initiated. Despite complete GHD, growth remained within 50th–75th percentiles over seven years. At 11 years, her predicted adult height improved to 158 cm, with stable magnetic resonance imaging findings. This case illustrates that craniopharyngioma and its treatment can trigger CPP, and that appropriate management may preserve normal growth despite significant hormonal deficiencies.
Keywords
craniopharyngioma, head irradiation, precocious puberty, growth hormone deficiency, tumor
Integrated with
