Neuroimaging of pediatric craniopharyngiomas: a pictorial essay

J Pediatr Endocrinol Metab. 2006 Apr:19 Suppl 1:299-319.

Abstract

Craniopharyngiomas are benign, partly cystic epithelial tumors that account for 5-13% of all intracranial tumors and 50% of all suprasellar masses in children. They pose several challenges to the neuroradiologist. This paper aims to focus on the main issues regarding the neuroradiological diagnosis and follow-up after treatment. Topics include (i) the imaging modalities (i.e., CT and MRI) utilized in the diagnostic workup; (ii) the neuroradiological appearance, focusing on calcifications, cystic components, contrast enhancement, and location; (iii) the relationships to adjacent structures, such as the optic chiasm, hypothalamus, third ventricle, and circle of Willis; (iv) the differential diagnosis with other tumoral and non-tumoral entities occurring in the sellar/suprasellar area; and (v) post-treatment imaging issues.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Brain / pathology
  • Child
  • Craniopharyngioma / diagnosis
  • Craniopharyngioma / diagnostic imaging
  • Craniopharyngioma / pathology*
  • Craniopharyngioma / therapy
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Pituitary Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Pituitary Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Pituitary Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Pituitary Neoplasms / therapy
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed