Primary isolated ectopic cerebellopontine angle craniopharyngioma: diagnostic considerations, function-oriented resection, and long-term tumor control
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Case Report
Abstract: Primary isolated ectopic cerebellopontine angle craniopharyngioma is rare and should be considered among cystic cerebellopontine angle lesions. A woman in her 70s presented with a 44-mm lesion extending into Meckel's cave, with progressive facial nerve palsy, bulbar dysfunction, and gait disturbance. Imaging revealed irregularly enhancing solid components within a homogeneous cyst, peripheral punctate calcifications, and low diffusion signal. Near-total resection was achieved through the retrosigmoid approach under continuous facial nerve monitoring, intentionally leaving adherent capsule. Pathological analysis confirmed adamantinomatous craniopharyngioma. Facial nerve function improved from House-Brackmann grade V to grade II, bulbar dysfunction and gait disturbance resolved, and no regrowth has occurred at 7 years. The video can be found here: https://stream.cadmore.media/r10.3171/2026.7.FOCVID2677.
Source: Neurosurgical Focus Video
Institutions: Tokyo Medical University, Kohsei Chuo General Hospital
Language: English
Subfield: Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7213999527