Prenatal diagnosis of a craniopharyngioma: a new case with radical surgery and review

Abstract

Management of these rare cases is controversial with high postoperative mortality and significant morbidity, including panhypopituitarism, visual disturbance, and neuropsychological disorders. From the available literature, no conclusions concerning the management can be drawn at present, due to the rarity of early surgical intervention. Our case, despite the lack of important follow-up, seems to confirm the possibility of attempting radical surgery in the neonatal period as a result of advances both in surgical techniques and in neonatal intensive care.

Pathological and Topographical Classification of Craniopharyngiomas: A Literature Review

“…Fetal ACPs have been reported in utero by several authors. [34][35][36][37] Kostadinov et al reported an echodense structure at the intracranial midline with an irregular outline measuring 3.1 Â 2.69 cm, which displaced the lateral ventricles and choroid plexus detected by prenatal ultrasound and further histology studies of the fetus specimen revealed an ACP. In the same report, they suggested that CP account for approximately 11% of fetal tumors.…”

Fetal Brain Tumors: A Review of 154 Cases

“…Although craniopharyngioma is a relatively common tumor of childhood, $10% of intracranial neoplasms, it seldom occurs before birth. [48][49][50][51][52][53][54][55][56][57][58][59] Because of its epithelial morphology and location intimately related to the pituitary gland, it is thought to arise from Rathke's pouch, an ectodermal diverticulum developing from the roof of the mouth. 29,30 Craniopharyngioma was third in frequency following teratoma and astrocytoma in this review (Tables 1 and 5).…”

“…Life-threatening electrolyte disturbances resulting from pituitary insufficiency, which is noted particularly in this age group, is a common problem in the intra-and postoperative care of patients with this tumor. 55,56,59 However, with current neurosurgical techniques and improved postoperative care, the survival rate has improved somewhat. 55,56 Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumor The term ''primitive neuroectodermal tumor'' (PNET) is applied to a group of small, blue-cell malignant tumors of the central and peripheral nervous systems and soft tissues.…”

“…55,56,59 However, with current neurosurgical techniques and improved postoperative care, the survival rate has improved somewhat. 55,56 Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumor The term ''primitive neuroectodermal tumor'' (PNET) is applied to a group of small, blue-cell malignant tumors of the central and peripheral nervous systems and soft tissues. [60][61][62][63] The neural crest is proposed as the site of origin of these highly malignant neoplasms.…”

Fetal Craniopharyngioma: Management, Postmortem Diagnosis, and Literature Review of an Intracranial Tumor Detected in Utero

“…Prior to the current case, 9 cases of congenital CP had been described in utero. The clinical features and outcomes of all 10 cases are summarized in Table 1 [2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10].…”