Magnetic resonance imaging of craniopharyngioma

Am J Ophthalmol. 1986 Aug 15;102(2):242-4. doi: 10.1016/0002-9394(86)90152-2.

Abstract

Craniopharyngiomas are common tumors located in the suprasellar region. Contrast enhancement, cyst formation, and calcification are the three characteristic features of craniopharyngiomas on computed tomographic scan. More than 90% of suprasellar craniopharyngiomas exhibit at least two of these three features, thus providing easy radiologic detection. We treated a 41-year-old man in whom a large suprasellar craniopharyngioma producing severe visual loss was not detected by computed tomography but was easily identified with magnetic resonance imaging. Thus, despite high-resolution computed tomographic scan, large suprasellar craniopharyngiomas can be missed. Magnetic resonance imaging may be superior to computed tomography in detecting these tumors.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Craniopharyngioma / complications
  • Craniopharyngioma / diagnostic imaging
  • Craniopharyngioma / pathology*
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
  • Male
  • Pituitary Neoplasms / complications
  • Pituitary Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Pituitary Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Vision Disorders / etiology
  • Vision Disorders / physiopathology
  • Visual Fields