Hypothalamic-opticochiasmatic gliomas mimicking craniopharyngiomas.
The differential diagnosis of suprasellar masses in the pediatric age group includes craniopharyngiomas and hypothalamic-opticochiasmatic gliomas (HOCGs). These tumors frequently display unique features on computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. We review two cases of pediatric suprasellar HOCGs with preoperative imaging characteristics resembling those of craniopharyngioma. HOCGs mimicking craniopharyngiomas represent a diagnostic and operative challenge to the pediatric neurosurgeon. Although an accurate leading pathologic diagnosis can frequently be made with preoperative neuroimaging, the neurosurgeon must be prepared for discovery of another tumor type and have plans to proceed accordingly.
Bisson
Erica
E
Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of Vermont College of Medicine, Burlington, Vt., USA.
Khoshyomn
Sami
S
Braff
Steven
S
Maugans
Todd
T
D000293:Adolescent; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003397:Craniopharyngioma / Q000175:diagnosis*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D005910:Glioma / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D009897:Optic Chiasm / Q000601:surgery; D019574:Optic Nerve Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery; D010911:Pituitary Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis*