Diencephalic syndrome: A rare etiology of failure to thrive with neuroregression in a child

Abstract

Abstract Diencephalic syndrome, a rare cause of failure to thrive, is associated with intracranial pathology in that region. It is characterized by failure to thrive, emaciation despite normal or slightly reduced calorie intake, and inappropriate euphoria among the young children suffering from tumors in these regions. The actual cause is unknown though different hormones may have a role. Growth hormone may be normal or high. We are presenting the case of a 20-month-old girl who came with failure to thrive in spite of nutritional support, neuroregression, and tremor; ophthalmological evaluation revealed bilateral optic atrophy. MRI revealed an intracranial tumor. This case report aims to show that failure to thrive despite nutritional managements may be the initial presentation of some intracranial pathology.