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Clinical picture of craniopharyngioma in childhood
R Hamid1, S Sarkar, M A Hossain
1Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Insights
Craniopharyngioma (CP) is a rare brain tumor in children, often presenting with vision loss and endocrine issues. Early diagnosis in Bangladeshi children is crucial for improving outcomes and quality of life.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurosurgery
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Ophthalmology
Background:
- Craniopharyngiomas (CPs) are rare intracranial tumors, accounting for 2.5-4% of all such tumors.
- CPs exhibit a bimodal age distribution with peaks in childhood (5-10 years) and adulthood (55-65 years), representing 9% of childhood brain tumors.
- Typical pediatric CP presentation includes short stature, obesity, visual impairment, and poor academic performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To detail the clinical presentation of pediatric Craniopharyngioma (CP) patients in Bangladesh.
- To understand the diagnostic challenges and initial symptoms in this specific population.
- To emphasize the importance of early diagnosis and management for improving patient prognosis.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional, observational study conducted at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka.
- Inclusion criteria: admitted patients in the Neurosurgery department from March 2004 to March 2005.
- Data collection focused on presenting complaints, visual status, fundal changes, and endocrinological profiles.
Main Results:
- The average age of pediatric CP patients was 13 years (range: 7-17 years).
- Visual problems were the most common presenting complaint, with 33% experiencing total blindness (including optic atrophy).
- Endocrinological deficiencies were noted in 17% of cases, and 25% presented with short stature despite normal hormonal profiles.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric Craniopharyngioma (CP) in Bangladesh frequently presents with significant visual impairment and potential endocrinopathies.
- Comprehensive ophthalmological and endocrinological evaluations are essential for early diagnosis and management.
- Timely intervention can significantly enhance the quality of life and long-term outcomes for affected children.
Abstract:
This cross sectional and observational study was carried out among the admitted patients of the department of Neurosurgery, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka during the period of 1st March 2004 to 31st March 2005. Among the all intracranial tumours, 2.5-04% are Craniopharyngiomas. Although there is a bi-modal age distribution-1st peak at 5-10 years and the 2nd peak at 55-65 years, the common patients are children (9% of childhood tumour). A typical child with Craniopharyngioma (CP) is short, obese and half blind and has a poor school record. The study has been undertaken to know in details, how child patients with Craniopharyngiomas in Bangladesh present their disease at the hospital. Earlier diagnosis and management may improve the quality of life and longivity. The average age of the patients was 13 years ranging from 07 to 17 years. The vast majority patients were admitted with visual problems as their presenting complaints. Among the patients 33% had total blindness of which 03 had primary optic atrophy and 1 has secondary optic atrophy. Among the remaining 08 patients, 75% were found to have field defect. All patients showed fundal changes ranging from early papilloedema to optic atrophy. We found major endocrinological deficiency in child patients with Craniopharyngioma in 17% cases. Raised Prolactin level may not be significant, because it could be due to stalk effect. Although 25% patients were of short stature, their hormonal profile was within normal range according to age and sex.
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