Acute presentation of craniopharyngioma in children and adults in a Danish national cohort

The molecular pathogenesis of craniopharyngiomas

Research from the last 20 years has provided important insights into the molecular pathogenesis of craniopharyngiomas (CPs). Besides the well-known clinical and histological differences between the subtypes of CPs, adamantinomatous (ACP) and papillary (PCP) craniopharyngiomas, other molecular differences have been identified, further elucidating pathways related to the origin and development of such tumors. The present minireview assesses current knowledge on embryogenesis and the genetic, epigenetic, transcriptomic, and signaling pathways involved in the ACP and PCP subtypes, revealing the similarities and differences in their profiles. ACP and PCP subtypes can be identified by the presence of mutations in CTNNB1 and BRAF genes, with prevalence around 60% and 90%, respectively. Therefore, β-catenin accumulates in the nucleus-cytoplasm of cell clusters in ACPs and, in PCPs, cell immunostaining with specific antibody against the V600E-mutated protein can be seen. Distinct patterns of DNA methylation further differentiate ACPs and PCPs. In addition, research on genetic and epigenetic changes and tumor microenvironment specificities have further clarified the development and progression of the disease. No relevant transcriptional differences in ACPs have emerged between children and adults. In conclusion, ACPs and PCPs present diverse genetic signatures and each subtype is associated with specific signaling pathways. A better understanding of the pathways related to the growth of such tumors is paramount for the development of novel targeted therapeutic agents.

Predictors of the Spontaneous Resolution of Central Diabetes Insipidus Following Endoscopic Endonasal Surgery for Craniopharyngioma

OBJECTIVE

Central diabetes insipidus (CDI) is the most common complication of endoscopic endonasal surgery (EES) for craniopharyngioma. However, some cases of CDI could spontaneously resolve during the follow-up period. Hence, this study aimed to determine the predictive factors for the spontaneous resolution of CDI.

METHODS

Data of patients with CDI who underwent EES for craniopharyngioma between February 2009 and June 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. All patients were divided into 2 groups based on the resolution of CDI during follow-up: the recovery and no recovery groups. The baseline characteristic, surgical, and follow-up results of patients were compared.

RESULTS

We identified 84 patients with CDI (35 in the recovery group and 49 in the no recovery group). A direct comparison showed that retaining the pituitary stalk (57.1% vs. 14.3%, P = 0.000) and no-hypothalamic injury (HI) (68.6% vs. 20.4%, P = 0.000) were more common in the recovery group, whereas hydrocephalus at diagnosis (8.6% vs. 46.9%, P = 0.000) was significantly more common in the no recovery group. Subsequently, we found through univariate and multivariate analysis that the spontaneous resolution of CDI was associated with hydrocephalus at diagnosis (yes vs. no: odds ratio [OR], 0.198; P = 0.045), pituitary stalk injury (retaining vs. sectioning: OR, 7.055; P = 0.004), and the Hong et al HI pattern (mild-HI vs. no-HI: OR, 0.183; P = 0.038; unilateral-HI vs. no-HI: OR, 0.147; P = 0.017; bilateral-HI vs. no-HI: OR, 0.154; P = 0.044).

CONCLUSIONS

Hydrocephalus at diagnosis, pituitary stalk injury, and the Hong et al HI pattern might be predictors of the spontaneous resolution of CDI following EES for craniopharyngioma.

Risk factors for postresection shunting in children with suprasellar tumor: a retrospective analysis of 124 patients

OBJECTIVE

Hydrocephalus is one of the most significant comorbidities of pediatric suprasellar tumors. Up to 37.5-68.0% of patients were diagnosed with hydrocephalus at admission. However, after surgical resection of the tumor, 9.3-51.4% of the hydrocephalus will persist and require a ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) surgery. The purpose of this study was to identify the risk factors associated with postresection shunting in children with suprasellar tumors.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective analysis of children who underwent surgery for suprasellar tumors at our department from February 2011 to December 2020. We used univariate and multivariate analysis to screen the factors that might be correlated with postoperative shunt placement, taking into account patients' characteristics, tumor histology/size/calcification, the severity of preoperative hydrocephalus, the involvement of ventricles, external ventricular drainage (EVD) placement, postoperative intraventricular hematoma, the extent of resection, and other surgical details.

RESULTS

A total of 124 children who underwent surgery for suprasellar tumors were included in our study. Hydrocephalus was present in 55 patients (44.3%) at admission; 23 patients (18.5%) received VPS implantation after tumor removal. Univariate analysis showed that the involvement of ventricles (p = 0.002), moderate/severe preoperative hydrocephalus (p = 0.001), postoperative intraventricular hematoma (p = 0.005), and EVD implantation (p = 0.001) were significantly associated with postoperative VPS. Multivariate analysis confirmed that only ventricle involvement (p = 0.002; OR = 5.6; 95%CI 1.8-17.2) and intraventricular hematoma (p = 0.01; OR = 10.7; 95%CI 1.8-64.2) were independent risk factors for postresection shunting.

CONCLUSION

Ventricle involvement and intraventricular hematoma can be identified as independent predictors for postoperative shunting in pediatric suprasellar tumors.

Clinical impact of craniopharyngioma classification based on location origin: a multicenter retrospective study

Background

An assessment of the clinical impact for craniopharyngiomas (CPs) classification based on origin location has not been reported. The aim of this study was to determine the clinical impact of the site of tumor origin in primary CPs.

Methods

Patients from six national institutions who had undergone resection for primary CP were enrolled. Based on the point of origin and surrounding membranous structures, the location of the tumor origin was labelled as Q, S, or T, where Type Q CPs originated below the diaphragmatic area; Type S CPs originated from Rathke’s pouch precursor cells; and Type T CPs originated from the Rathke’s pouch precursor cells located above the pars tuberalis. Clinical characteristics, surgical approach, and outcome were evaluated according to the location of the tumor origin.

Results

Among the 529 patients with primary CP, symptoms, age, histopathology type, tumor size, the incidence of hydrocephalus, survival rates, and recurrence-free survival rates were significantly different among tumors originating in different locations. Patients with type T CPs had higher symptom rates of intracranial hypertension and hypothalamic dysfunction, while those with type Q CPs had higher rates of hormone deficits during pre-and post-operative management. Type S CPs were correlated with better outcomes and lower recurrence rates. The location of origin and primary therapy with survival and recurrence in CP were independent factors for survival and recurrence in multivariate analysis.

Conclusions

The identification of the different location of origin of CPs is of great significance in understanding the relationship between tumors and peripheral tissues. The origin of tumors effects the choice of surgical approach and prognosis.

Visual functions in children with craniopharyngioma at diagnosis: A systematic review

Childhood craniopharyngioma is a rare and slow growing brain tumour, often located in the sellar and suprasellar region. It commonly manifests with visual impairment, increased intracranial pressure and hypothalamic and/or pituitary deficiencies. Visual impairment in childhood adversely affects a child’s daily functioning and quality of life. We systematically reviewed the literature to provide an extensive overview of the visual function in children with craniopharyngioma at diagnosis in order to estimate the diversity, magnitude and relevance of the problem of visual impairment. Of the 543 potentially relevant articles, 84 studies met our inclusion criteria. Visual impairment at diagnosis was reported in 1041 of 2071 children (50.3%), decreased visual acuity was reported in 546 of 1321 children (41.3%) and visual field defects were reported in 426 of 1111 children (38.3%). Other ophthalmological findings described were fundoscopic (32.5%) and orthoptic abnormalities (12.5%). Variations in ophthalmological testing methods and ophthalmological definitions precluded a meta-analysis. The results of this review confirm the importance of ophthalmological examination in children with craniopharyngioma at diagnosis in order to detect visual impairment and provide adequate support. Future studies should focus on long-term visual follow-up of childhood craniopharyngioma in response to different treatment strategies to provide insight in risks and ways to prevent further loss of vision.

Adult craniopharyngioma: The role of extent of resection in tumor recurrence and long-term functional outcome

OBJECTIVE

The optimal therapeutic approach to craniopharyngioma has not been established conclusively. The surgical outcome following radical excision and conservative resection with adjuvant radiotherapy are comparable or even better with the later in pediatric or mixed populations. This study is aimed at reviewing the role of extent of resection in local tumor control and long-term outcome in adults with craniopharyngioma.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Ninety-five adults operated between 2001 and 2013 were included. Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were calculated. Predictors of various outcome parameters were analyzed.

RESULTS

The predominant presenting symptom was visual impairment (78 %) followed by symptoms of hypothalamic involvement (29 %). Total and subtotal excisions (TE, STE) were achieved in 63 %, and 47 % of patients, respectively. Vision improved in 62 % of patients in the early postoperative period. Thirteen patients (14 %) experienced vision deterioration postoperatively. On multivariate analysis, tumor >3 cm and optic atrophy predicted poor visual outcome. Hormonal replacement for hypopituitarism was required in 83 % during follow-up. Diabetes insipidus was seen in 73 %. Imaging evidence of 3rd ventricular floor destruction by tumor emerged as an independent predictor of postoperative hypothalamic morbidities. The recurrence rate following TE and STE was 11.6 % and 72 %, respectively. Unlike radical excision, PFS following STE was significantly shorter (p- 0.02). TE was not associated with increased visual impairment or hypothalamic-pituitary dysfunction postoperatively as compared to STE. Most of the patients (85 %) were independent and able to return to the premorbid occupation.

CONCLUSION

Subtotal resection provides equally good long-term visual, endocrinological, and hypothalamic outcomes as radical surgery. When used with adjuvant radiotherapy, it also gives a better local control of the tumor. Hence, subtotal resection with adjuvant radiotherapy should be considered as an effective alternative strategy to radical excision.

CRANIOPHARYNGIOMA - CLINICAL AND THERAPEUTIC OUTCOME DATA IN A MIXED COHORT OF ADULT AND PAEDIATRIC CASES

BACKGROUND

Craniopharyngiomas are benign but locally invasive tumours of the sellar region that arise from ectopic embryonic remnants of Rathke's pouch, affecting both children (adamantinomatous type -aCP) and adults (papillary type -pCP) and associated with significant morbidity.

OBJECTIVE

To study the clinical presentation of CRF as well as the posttreatment evolution of craniopharyngioma in children versus adults in a large mixed cohort.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We performed a retrospective review of CRF patients evaluated in the National Institute of Endocrinology in Bucharest between 1990 and 2016.

RESULTS

A total of 107 patients (72 adults, 35 children) with a mean follow-up of 6.2 years were included. The presenting symptoms were mostly headache, visual impairment, symptoms of hypopituitarism, diabetes insipidus. Some symptoms or hormonal abnormalities were significantly more prevalent in the children group (p<0.05): nausea/ vomiting (47.8% vs 16.7%), photophobia (21.7% vs 5.6%), diabetes insipidus(28.5% vs 8.3%), GH deficiency (68.8% vs 17.1%). Impaired visual acuity (67.6%of cases) or visual fields (71.4%) were more frequent in adults compared to children (44.1%; 51.6%). The tumor dimensions were similar in both groups (3.05± 1.05 cm in children; 2.7± 1.07 cm in adults). Massive suprasellar extension reaching the third ventricle was frequently present in all cases. All cases underwent surgery but only a minority of those not cured received postoperative adjuvant radiotherapy. Frequent postoperative complications were: aggravation of the endocrine deficit (>80% of cases in both groups needed chronic replacement therapy), central diabetes insipidus (68.2% children, 34.3% of adults).

CONCLUSIONS

Despite similar tumor dimensions and extension compared to adults, craniopharyngioma in children is more frequently associated with signs of intracranial pressure. The results and complications of treatment are similar in adults and children.

Craniopharyngioma and hypothalamic injury: latest insights into consequent eating disorders and obesity

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Hypothalamic alterations, pathological or treatment induced, have major impact on prognosis in craniopharyngioma patients mainly because of consequent hypothalamic obesity. Recent insight in molecular genetics, treatment strategies, risk factors and outcomes associated with hypothalamic obesity provide novel therapeutic perspectives. This review includes relevant publications since 2013.

RECENT FINDINGS

Recent findings confirm that alterations in posterior hypothalamic areas because of tumour location and/or treatment-related injuries are associated with severe hypothalamic obesity, reduced overall survival and impaired quality of life in long-term survivors of childhood-onset craniopharyngioma. However, eating disorders are observed because of hypothalamic obesity without clear disease-specific patterns. Treatment options for hypothalamic obesity are very limited. Treatment with invasive, nonreversible bariatric methods such as Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is most efficient in weight reduction, but controversial in the paediatric population because of medical, ethical, and legal considerations. Accordingly, treatment in craniopharyngioma should focus on prevention of (further) hypothalamic injury. Presurgical imaging for grading of hypothalamic involvement should be the basis for hypothalamus-sparing strategies conducted by experienced multidisciplinary teams.

SUMMARY

Until a nonsurgical therapeutic option for hypothalamic obesity for paediatric patients is found, prevention of hypothalamic injury should be the preferred treatment strategy, conducted exclusively by experienced multidisciplinary teams.

Sellar Masses: An Epidemiological Study

BACKGROUND

Sellar masses (SM) are mostly benign growths of pituitary or nonpituitary origin that are increasingly encountered in clinical practice. To date, no comprehensive population-based study has reported the epidemiology of SM from North America.

AIM

To determine the epidemiology of SM in the province of Nova Scotia, Canada.

METHODS

Data from all pituitary-related referrals within the province were prospectively collected in interlinked computerized registries starting in November 2005. We conducted a retrospective analysis on all patients with SM seen within the province between November 2005 and December 2013.

RESULTS

A total of 1107 patients were identified, of which 1005 were alive and residing within the province. The mean age at presentation was 44.6±18 years, with an overall female preponderance (62%) and a population prevalence rate of 0.1%. Of patients with SM, 837 (83%) had pituitary adenomas and 168 (17%) had nonpituitary lesions. The relative prevalence and standardized incidence ratio, respectively, of various SM were: nonfunctioning adenomas (38.4%; 2.34), prolactinomas (34.3%; 2.22), Rathke's cyst (6.5%; 0.5), growth hormone-secreting adenomas (6.5%; 0.3), craniopharyngiomas (4.5%; 0.2), adrenocorticotropic hormone-secreting adenomas (3.8%; 0.2), meningiomas (1.9%), and others (3.9%; 0.21). At presentation, 526 (52.3%) had masses ≥1 cm, 318 (31.6%) at <1 cm, and 11 (1.1%) had functioning pituitary adenomas without discernible tumor, whereas tumor size data were unavailable in 150 (14.9%) patients. The specific pathologies and their most common presenting features were: nonfunctioning adenoma (incidental, headaches, and vision loss), prolactinomas (galactorrhea, menstrual irregularity, and headache), growth hormone-secreting adenomas (enlarging extremities and sweating), adrenocorticotropic hormone-secreting adenoma (easy bruising, muscle wasting, and weight gain) and nonpituitary lesions (incidental, headaches, and vision problems). Secondary hormonal deficiencies were common, ranging from 19.6% to 65.7%; secondary hypogonadism, hypothyroidism, and growth hormone deficiencies constituted the majority of these abnormalities.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the largest North American study to date to assess the epidemiology of SM in a large stable population. Given their significant prevalence in the general population, more studies are needed to evaluate the natural history of these masses and to help allocate appropriate resources for their management.

Haemorrhagic presentation of a craniopharyngioma in a pregnant woman

Objective. Craniopharyngioma is a rare tumour, and, consequently, acute clinical presentation and diagnosis, during pregnancy, of this pathology are quite difficult to find. Only few cases are reported in the literature, and no one describes these two conditions in association. Methods. We report a particular case of craniopharyngioma presenting both of the above conditions. Results. The patient was successfully operated with endoscopic technique. Conclusions. Rare and difficult cases, created by the superposition of different clinical conditions, need multidisciplinary management, with collaboration, integration, and cooperation between different medical specialists.

Pituitary stalk lesion in a 13-year-old female

Germinomas presenting with a pituitary stalk lesion and panhypopituitarism are rare in children, and their definite diagnosis is challenging. An invasive diagnostic approach, such as a transsphenoidal biopsy, is often required prior to establishing a treatment regimen. A 13-year-old female presented with 1 year of secondary amenorrhea, fatigue, and progressive thirst with polyuria. Laboratory work-up revealed panhypopituitarism (central hypothyroidism, hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, adrenal insufficiency and central diabetes insipidus). α-Fetoprotein and β-human chorionic gonadotropin were not elevated in serum nor in cerebrospinal fluid. The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the pituitary region showed an enhancing infundibular lesion, extending into the hypothalamus, and infiltrating the pituitary gland. A transsphenoidal biopsy of the infundibular lesion confirmed the diagnosis of germinoma (germ-cell tumor). After appropriate hormone replacement therapy, chemotherapy and low-dose radiation therapy, the patient achieved complete resolution of the pituitary stalk lesion on the MRI.

Headache and pituitary disease: a systematic review

Headache is very common in pituitary disease and is reported to be present in more than a third of all patients with pituitary adenomas. Tumour size, cavernous sinus invasion, traction or displacement of intracranial pain-sensitive structures such as blood vessels, cranial nerves and dura mater, and hormonal hypersecretion are implicated causes. The present review attempts to systematically review the literature for any combination of headache and pituitary or hormone overproduction or deficiency. Most data available are retrospective and/or not based on the International Headache Society (IHS) classification. Whereas in pituitary apoplexy a mechanical component explains the almost universal association of the condition with headaches, this correlation is less clear in other forms of pituitary disease and a positive impact of surgery on headaches is not guaranteed. Similarly, invasion into the cavernous sinus or local inflammatory changes have been linked to headaches without convincing evidence. Some studies suggest that oversecretion of GH and prolactin may be important for the development of headaches, and treatment, particularly with somatostatin analogues, has been shown to improve symptoms in these patients. Otherwise, treatment rests on general treatment options for headaches based on an accurate clinical history and a precise classification which includes assessment of the patient's psychosocial risk factors.