ESPE Abstracts

Background: Childhood IGCT are rare, malignant tumours of the pituitary stalk and pineal region, highly curable (>90%) by multimodal therapies. Neuroendocrine outcomes are thus important. Deficits increase over time but, without longitudinal studies, it remains unclear whether they are primarily disease or treatment related.Objective and hypotheses: To determine, by longitudinal retrospective analysis in survivors, tumour- and treatment-related facto...

Background: Hypothalamic hamartomas(HH) are rare heterotopic congenital malformations causing central precocious puberty(CPP) and/or resistant epilepsy whose natural history is unknown.Aim: To describe clinical and imaging features, and the risk of developing endocrine deficits, particularly after surgery.Method: Retrospective case note and imaging review of all HH diagnosed by MRI between 30.08.1991 and 24.11.17, analysed by initi...

Background: Childhood pineal and/or suprasellar intracranial germ cell tumours (IGCT) are highly curable (>90%) with neuraxial radiation alone; international (SIOP) trials have aimed to decrease late radiation-induced neuroendocrine morbidity by substituting chemotherapy. However, without longitudinal study, disease and treatment contributions to long term outcomes remain unknown.Objective: To define tumour and treatment factors implicated in neuroen...

Background and objective: Children with Thickened pituitary stalk (TPS) and/or Idiopathic central diabetes insipidus (ICDI) present to different (endocrine, oncology, and ophthalmology) specialists. Their rarity, absence of agreed radiological criteria or consensus guidance, make their management problematic. Biopsy is too dangerous and cases may remain undiagnosed or evolve over decades. We aimed: i) to longitudinally characterize a large childhood cohort presenting with TPS ...

Background: Hypothalamic hamartomas(HH)-rare heterotopic congenital malformations (incidence 1:200 000)-present with central precocious puberty (CPP) or gelastic seizures (GS) but their natural history and best treatment strategy are unknown. Given their proximity to the hypothalamus–pituitary axis, wider endocrine dysfunction may be expected.Objective and hypotheses: To describe clinical features and any evolving endocrinopathies in HH patients, by...

Background: Craniopharyngiomas are the commonest pituitary tumours of childhood. Though benign histologically, their localisation and invasive tendency can cause significant neuroendocrine morbidity and late mortality.Objective and hypotheses: To prospectively determine risk factors for neuroendocrine morbidity by longitudinal survival analysis.Method: All children with craniopharyngioma newly presenting to our quaternary centre be...

Background: Childhood tumours of the hypothalamic pituitary axis (HPATs) are very rare and hence any single centre experience is limited. Without evidence-based guidance, treatment is individualised on a case basis. Survival rates are high, but at the expense of significant morbidity. Centralised care or wider multi-professional consultation may improve neuroendocrine and visual outcomes.Objective and hypotheses: i) To facilitate multi-professional dialo...