Papillary Craniopharyngioma

Findings:

Multiple MR images demonstrate a heterogeneously enhancing mostly solid suprasellar mass which is inseparable from the optic chiasm and is associated with signal alterations within the bilateral optic tracts. A punctate zone of hypointensity on the GRE sequence may reflect calcification. The mass is also inseparable from the hypothalamus.

Discussion/Differential Diagnosis:

The differential diagnosis of a suprasellar enhancing mass includes craniopharyngioma and hypothalamic glioma, less likely metastasis. A normal pituitary gland should essentially exclude a pituitary adenoma, however rare ectopic pituitary adenomas have been reported. Cases and discussion of craniopharyngioma:

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