Congenital craniopharyngioma: A role for imaging in the prenatal diagnosis and treatment of an uncommon tumor

Ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging performed upon a male fetus at 32 and 36 weeks gestation, respectively, revealed a large suprasellar mass. A male newborn, delivered at 37 weeks, required ventilatory assistance at birth and subsequently developed myoclonic seizures, hypertension, and bradycardia. The intracranial mass was felt to be inoperable and the patient expired shortly after support was withdrawn. Autopsy results were consistent with a congenital craniopharyngioma. We discuss the differential diagnosis for this mass lesion based on prenatal imaging as well as distinguishing features on imaging studies that may aid in the prenatal diagnosis and treatment of this benign tumor. Copyright (C) 2003 S. Karger AG, Basel.