Growth Hormone and Adrenocorticotropic Hormone Levels Increased in a Child with Diencephalic Syndrome

Abstract

AbstractA Japanese male child with diencephalic syndrome due to suprasellar tumor was treated in our department. There were no symptoms suggestive of hyper‐adrenalism despite an increased adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), nor was there an excessive growth even in the presence of high fasting levels of growth hormone (GH). After radiation therapy, both ACTH and GH levels reverted to normal. Thus, the abnormal hypothalamic control following destruction of a certain area of the diencephalon may have led to increases in the levels of ACTH and GH. This may be the first documentation of increased ACTH levels in a patient with diencephalic syndrome.