Craniopharyngioma

Findings:
Sagittal T1, coronal T2, and coronal T1WI show a suprasellar mass with hyperintensity on both T1 and T2WI. The mass is predominantly suprasellar, with extension into the sella.

Differential Diagnosis:
craniopharyngioma, rathke's cleft cyst, hemorrhagic adenoma less likely.

Discussion:
-present clinically with increased intracranial pressure, hypothalamic dysfunction, or chiasmatic compression symptoms
-origin: cranio from pars tuberalis, Rathke's from pars intermedia
-location: 70% intra and suprasellar, 10% suprasellar only, 10% intrasellar only
-age peaks: 5-10 and less so at 50-60
-most common suprasellar mass in children (50%)
-imaging: 80% Ca++ in children, 40% Ca++ adults, 90% cystic, 90% rim enhance, hyper T1/T2 (cholesterol), +/- optic tract signal abn
-main ddx is Rathke's cleft cyst (RCC enhances minimally or not at all)

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