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

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.