Surgical management of a giant glial hamartoma in a pediatric patient: a case report.

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.