Sunday 12 September 2010

MRCP revision battle 9.4: Craniopharyngioma

Craniopharyngiomas are benign tumours that arise from the remnants of Rathke's pouch (= area between pituitary and 3rd ventricle floor).

Technically it is not a pituitary tumour as it is derived from the embryonic remnants of the pituitary gland rather than the gland itself.   However, in terms of the mass effects/how it presents it is very similar.  Amenorrhoea and decreased libido are often sited as symptoms.


Craniopharyngiomas frequently calcify (50%)


Investigation of choice is MRI, treatment is surgery.


After that brief squirmish its on to the last battle of the day, the pneumothorax