Childhood Craniopharyngiomas: Presenting Features and Long-Term Morbidities

A craniopharyngioma that is diagnosed before age 10 years has unique and unfortunate sequelae, according to a retrospective analysis from France.

Childhood-onset craniopharyngiomas are benign tumors, yet they are associated with substantial morbidity and early mortality. To identify predictors of tumor recurrence and tumor-related morbidity, researchers retrospectively analyzed data from 65 patients with childhood-onset craniopharyngiomas (33 with tumor onset before age 10 years and 32 with onset from age 10–18 years) and 106 patients with adult-onset craniopharyngiomas. All patients were seen from 1972 to 2009 at one of two referral centers in France.

At tumor onset, similar percentages of children and adults had headache (about 60%) and central diabetes insipidus (CDI; about 13%). Visual acuity or field impairment and symptoms of intracranial hypertension were most common in patient…

Reviewing Author

F. Bruder Stapleton, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardCareer Physician

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society of Pediatric Nephrology Foundation (Chair)

F. Bruder Stapleton, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardCareer Physician

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society of Pediatric Nephrology Foundation (Chair)