Suprasellar and third ventricular cavernous malformation: Lessons learned in differential diagnosis and surgical planning

Background: While craniopharyngiomas (CPs) are the most common cystic suprasellar lesions in adults, cavernous malformations (CMs) only exceptionally occur in this location and are seldom considered in the differential diagnosis of such lesions. However, unlike CPs, suprasellar CMs are not typically approached via an endoscopic endonasal approach.

Case description: We present a unique clinical case of suprasellar and third ventricular CM mimicking a CP, posing a major decision-making dilemma at the levels of both preoperative diagnosis and surgical planning.

Conclusion: This case highlights the importance of carefully considering all the differential diagnoses of sellar pathology to select the most appropriate management strategy and surgical approach.