Surgical Management of a Giant Glial Hamartoma in a Pediatric Patient: A Case Report Publisher Pubmed



Sharifi G^{1, 2} ; Paraandavaji E² ; Naghizadeh S² ; Nilipour Y^{3, 4} ; Kazemi MA^{5, 6} ; Khanbabazadeh S⁷ ; Taghizadehhesary F^{8, 9}
Source: Child's Nervous System Published:2025

Abstract

Introduction: Glial hamartomas are benign growths of glial cells, and their management is challenging due to their rarity and variable presentation. We present a case of a giant glial hamartoma in a pediatric patient, incidentally discovered during routine imaging for a planned tonsillectomy. Case description: A 7-year-old boy with no prior neurological symptoms was found to have a large glial hamartoma in the right frontal lobe, measuring 67 mm in height and 50 mm in transverse diameter. Imaging studies revealed a hyperdense mass with internal calcifications on CT, hypointense on T1-weighted MRI, and hyperintense on T2-weighted MRI. Histopathology confirmed the diagnosis, showing benign glial cells, Rosenthal fibers, and eosinophilic granular bodies. A multidisciplinary team decided on surgical resection due to the tumor’s size. The tumor was resected without complications, and postoperative recovery was uneventful. Follow-up MRIs at 4 months and 2 years post-surgery showed no residual tumor or recurrence. Conclusions: This case underscores the role of radiological evaluation in identifying rare asymptomatic glial hamartomas and supports surgical resection to prevent complications. Comprehensive follow-up is essential for early detection of any recurrence. © The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature 2025.