International Journal of Clinical Case Reports 2015, Vol.5, No. 48, 1-2
1
A Letter
Open Access
Pediatric Craniopharyngioma
Azzoug S. , Belhadj Aissa N., Chentli F
Endocrine and Metabolic diseases Department Bab El Oued Hospital Algiers, Algeria
Corresponding author email
International Journal of Clinical Case Reports, 2015, Vol.5, No.48 doi: 10.5376/ijccr.2015.05.0048
Received: 21 Jul., 2015
Accepted: 22 Aug., 2015
Published: 02 Sep., 2015
Copyright
©
2015 Azzoug et al., This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted
use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Preferred citation for this article:
Azzoug S., Belhadj Aissa N., Chentli F., 2015, Pediatric Craniopharyngioma, International Journal of Clinical Case Reports, 5(48) 1
-
2
Abstract
Craniopharyngioma are epithelial tumors of the sellar and suprasellar region derived from Rathke cleft. They are among
the most common forms of cerebral tumors in children. Although they are histologically benign they may have severe complications
due to their proximity to vital structures. Furthermore they often recur after surgical resection. The aim of our study was to analyze
the clinical profile, radiological aspect and complications of pediatric craniopharyngioma. The medical records of 47 patients
(28M/19F) harboring a craniopharyngioma were reviewed. Mean age at diagnosis was 11.2 ±5.4 years. Mean size of the tumor was
37 ±10.7 mm. Appealing symptoms were ophthalmological complaints in 34.6%, neurological signs mainly headaches in 28.2%,
intracranial hypertension in 28.2%, endocrine symptoms in 9%. Endocrine repercussions were anterior pituitary deficiency in 72.4%
(global in 32% and partial in 40.4%) and diabetes insipidus in 46.8%. 68% of patients have visual acuity impairment among which
21.2% were blind (12.7% bilateral and 8.5% unilateral blindness). 12.7% of patients have ocular motor palsy. All patients were
operated on sometimes more than once; radiotherapy was used in 20.5%. Craniopharyngioma are rare tumors which may have severe
endocrine, neurological and visual repercussions; it often needs iterative surgery sometimes combined with radiotherapy.
Keywords
Pediatric craniopharyngioma; Visual impairment; Endocrine dysfunction
Introduction
Pediatric craniopharyngioma are rare non glial
intracranial tumors of the suprasellar and sellar area
deriving from a malformation of embryonic tissue.
Although craniopharyngioma are histologica lly
benign, they may have a dire prognosis due to
their ophthalmological, endocrine and neurological
repercussions and their high rate of recurrence. The
aim of our study is to analyze the clinical profile,
radiological aspect and complications of pediatric
craniopharyngioma in our institution.
Material and Methods
This is a retrospective study concerning 47 children
(28M/19F) harboring a craniopharyngioma.
Their mean age was of 11.2 ±5.4 years. Medical records
of the patients were reviewed in order to analyze their
presenting symptoms, clinical and radiological profile,
ophthalmological and endocrine repercussions and
therapeutic modalities of these tumors.
Results
The presenting symptoms were ophthalmological
complaints in 34.6%, neurological signs mai nly
headaches in 28.2%, intracranial hypertension in
28.2%, endocrine symptoms (growth retardation,
obesity, diabetes insipidus) in 9%.
Endocrine repercussions were anterior pitu itary
deficiency in 72.4% (global in 32% and partial in
40.4%) and diabetes insipidus in 46.8%.
68% of patients have visual acuity impairment among
which 21.2% were blind (12.7% bilateral and 8.5%
unilateral blindness). 12.7% of patients have ocular
motor palsy.
The mean tumoral diameter was of 37 ±10.7 mm.
Craniopharyngioma were mainly cystic with most
of tumors presenting the association of cystic, solid
portions and calcifications.
Treatment
All patients were operated on. 70% of the patients
underwent partial resection and 30% total resection.
Recurrences were noted in 44% requiring surgical
reoperation. After surgery, visual improvement was
observed in 16%, diabetes insipidus appeared in 25%
post surgery and anterior pituitary deficits worsen
