Strictly Intraventricular Craniopharyngioma: Case Report and Literature Review

Abstract

Strictly intraventricular craniopharyngiomas are a rare topographical variety of craniopharyngiomas. The correct diagnosis is important in order to define the surgical planning, as the surgical access is different for suprasellar tumors with secondary invasion of the third ventricle. An image diagnosis may be difficult, though suggestive patterns exist. The aim of the present case report and literature review is to add to the scarce literature on strictly intraventricular craniopharyngiomas, as well as to remind the neurosurgeon of this rare diagnosis so that the proper treatment is provided.

Intrinsic Third Ventricular Papillary Craniopharyngioma: A Report of Five Cases and Literature Review

“… 3 By 1990, only 22 cases of third ventricular craniopharyngiomas had been reported in the literature. 5 By 2004, 105 intraventricular craniopharyngioma cases were included in an overview of the imaging features and surgical approaches used to treat these tumors. 1 Craniopharyngiomas originate from the epithelial remnants of Rathke’s pouch.…”

“…Calcification is frequently detected, and these tumors tend to compress or invade adjacent structures. 5 , 10 Papillary craniopharyngiomas are observed exclusively in adults. The lesions typically contain a solid component that is either hypointense or isointense on T1-weighted images and hyperintense on T2-weighted images.…”

“…These tumors occasionally invade the adjacent cerebral arteries and parenchyma. 5 , 10–12 Behari et al 3 described six cases of strictly intrinsic third ventricular craniopharyngiomas, including four patients featuring mixed cystic and solid components and two patients with pure solid tumors. Pascual et al 1 reported no difference in the distribution rates between adamantinomatous and papillary subtypes.…”