Craniopharyngioma: radiologic and histologic findings and recurrence.
OBJECTIVE
To identify the CT and MR characteristics of craniopharyngiomas, to evaluate the histologic types of craniopharyngioma, and to compare the radiologic/histologic appearance and type of therapy with tumor recurrence.


METHODS
We reviewed the records of 45 patients with craniopharyngiomas for which surgical specimens (n = 45), preoperative MR or CT studies (n = 27), or other MR or CT studies or reports (n = 18) were available. Radiologic appearance, histologic morphology, treatment, and tumor recurrence were studied.


RESULTS
Adamantinomatous epithelium was found in 40 of 45 surgical specimens, keratin in 34 of 45, and squamous epithelium in 11 of 45. A continuum of mixed morphology rather than distinct subtypes of tumors was found. The radiologic appearance did not correlate with the histologic features. No statistically significant difference was found between children and adults with respect to tumor size, calcification, histology, or tumor recurrence. Patients treated with radiation after subtotal resection had far fewer tumor recurrences (n = 3) than patients treated with surgery alone (n = 18).


CONCLUSIONS
Craniopharyngiomas could not be divided into distinct histologic types. No differentiating radiologic or histologic characteristics could be established for craniopharyngiomas in children versus adults. Radiation treatment was strongly associated with tumor regression or lack of recurrence.
Eldevik
O P
OP
Department of Radiology, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor 48109, USA.
Blaivas
M
M
Gabrielsen
T O
TO
Hald
J K
JK
Chandler
W F
WF
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D002114:Calcinosis / Q000473:pathology; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003397:Craniopharyngioma / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D004848:Epithelium / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007633:Keratins / Q000032:analysis; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000473:pathology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D010911:Pituitary Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D018714:Radiotherapy, Adjuvant; D012074:Remission Induction; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed
D007633:Keratins