Prenatal diagnosis of a craniopharyngioma: a new case with radical surgery and review.
METHODS
A case of the antenatal diagnosis of a craniopharyngioma with radical surgery in the neonatal period is reported.


METHODS
We have reviewed the literature of such cases in an attempt to isolate specific features in this age group and to determine the appropriate management. Only six cases of the truly antenatal diagnosis of craniopharyngiomas have been reported. Diagnosis has resulted from routine ultrasound during pregnancy or from polyhydramnios. Clinically, there is often macrocephaly due to hydrocephalus or a significant-sized tumor.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Department of Neurosurgery, Hospital Pasteur, UNSA, 30 Avenue de la Voie Romaine, 06002, Nice, France. lonjon.m@chu-nice.fr
M
M
Lonjon
G
G
Dran
F
F
Casagrande
F
F
Vandenbos
J C
JC
Mas
C
C
Richelme
D000328:Adult; D003397:Craniopharyngioma / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005315:Fetal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods; D011247:Pregnancy; D011296:Prenatal Diagnosis; D012196:Review Literature as Topic