Neurosurg Focus
-
Review Comparative Study
Endocrinological and ophthalmological consequences of an initial endonasal endoscopic approach for resection of craniopharyngiomas.
The expanded endoscopic approach to craniopharyngiomas has recently been described in several small case series. The authors present their experience with this technique and review the available literature. ⋯ The endoscopic endonasal approach is a minimally invasive alternative to open transcranial approaches for select craniopharyngiomas. Similar to previous transcranial series, rates of endocrinopathy and gross-total resection were dependent upon the adherence of the tumor capsule to the hypothalamus, pituitary stalk, and associated vasculature. A review of the literature suggests that the results of the current series are similar to other published series on this topic.
-
Review Comparative Study
Craniopharyngioma and other cystic epithelial lesions of the sellar region: a review of clinical, imaging, and histopathological relationships.
Cystic epithelial masses of the sellar and parasellar region may be difficult to differentiate on a clinical, imaging, or even histopathological basis. The authors review the developmental relationships and differentiating features of various epithelial lesions of the sellar region. ⋯ The pattern of embryological formation of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis plays a major role in its propensity for developing cystic epithelial lesions. Subsequent inflammatory, metaplastic, and neoplastic processes may promote further progression along the pathological continuum, ranging from benign epithelial cysts to aggressive neoplastic cystic CPs. Selected clinical, imaging, and histopathological features can be used collectively to help differentiate these lesions and assign a formal diagnosis, thus accurately guiding further treatment.