Nasal craniopharyngioma: case report and literature review

We report the first case in the English language literature of an adamantinomatous infrasellar craniopharyngioma, and we describe our management strategy.

A 46-year-old woman presented with a six-month history of left-sided nasal obstruction and epistaxis. Rhinological examination revealed a left-sided, polypoidal lesion lying medial to the middle turbinate. An urgent examination under anaesthesia was organised; biopsies were considered characteristic of craniopharyngioma. Magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography demonstrated a well defined, heterogeneous, infrasellar mass centred in the midline, extending anteriorly into the left nasal cavity and posteriorly encasing both internal carotid arteries. Craniofacial resection was performed via a midfacial degloving approach, with adjuvant radiotherapy. The patient was disease-free one year post-operatively.

Craniopharyngiomas should be considered in the differential diagnosis of a unilateral nasal polyp. Although technically benign, they are locally aggressive. Therefore, we recommend complete excision with adjuvant radiotherapy if margins are involved or close.