Work

Craniopharyngioma and abscess: When tumor and infection co-exist

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Pituitary abscesses are rare entities that may occur in a previously healthy gland or in the setting of a pituitary tumor. Only eleven cases of abscesses associated with craniopharyngioma have been reported in the literature. The etiology is unknown and the diagnosis is difficult because there are no specific clinical or radiologic features that allow us to suspect the synchrony of both entities before surgery. Intraoperative findings and culture are the only definitive signs to confirm this association. Here we present the first surgical video showing this unique association and highlighting the technical pearls of the procedure. In a 9-year-old boy, we performed a transphenoidal approach to resect the tumor and saw pus during surgery. Pathology revealed a papillary craniopharyngioma, with microbiology showing Staphylococcus aureus . The tumor resection resulted in ophthalmologic improvement but pituitary insufficiency. A brief review of the literature is presented.

Source: Neurocirugía

DOI: 10.1016/j.neucir.2025.500657

Authors: Luis Miguel Moreno-Gómez, Pablo M. Munarriz, Aurelio Hernández-Laín, Alfonso Lagares

Institution: Hospital Universitario 12 De Octubre

Language: English

Topic: Pituitary Gland Disorders and Treatments

Subfield: Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $2,830