Spontaneous Intra-Parenchymal Rupture of Craniopharyngioma - A Rare Phenomenon

Craniopharyngioma is a relatively benign intracranial tumour that involves sellar and supra-sellar regions. Spontaneous rupture of craniopharyngioma into the sub-arachnoid space or into the ventricles is a rare phenomenon and few cases are reported in literature. We hereby report a case of sellar-suprasellar craniopharyngioma with focal intra-parenchymal rupture into brain causing aggravation of headache in a 12-year-old female child. This complication is a relatively rare phenomenon, which requires attention for early intervention. This was managed by trans-nasal endoscopic trans-sphenoidal surgery. Usually rupture of craniopharyngioma causes chemical meningitis or it can be asymptomatic. Sometimes rupture can cause complete resolution of cyst and symptoms. In the present case, there was only focal rupture and it was into brain parenchyma causing brain oedema with aggravation of headache. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) in intra-parenchymal rupture of craniopharyngioma has been emphasized in this case report.