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Craniopharyngeal duct: a cause of recurrent meningitis

S Biswas1, C P Millward2, A Riordan3

  • 1Department of Neuroradiology, The Walton Centre for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Liverpool, UK.

BJR Case Reports
|October 27, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Recurrent meningitis can be challenging to diagnose. Identifying a persistent craniopharyngeal duct, a rare cause, is crucial for effective treatment, often via endoscopic surgery.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Neurosurgery
  • Radiology

Background:

  • Recurrent meningitis presents diagnostic challenges, necessitating thorough evaluation of skull base anatomy.
  • Cross-sectional imaging is vital for detecting underlying anatomical abnormalities contributing to recurrent meningitis.

Observation:

  • This case underscores the significance of identifying a persistent craniopharyngeal duct as a treatable cause of recurrent meningitis.
  • Recurrent meningitis with *Streptococcus pneumoniae* may indicate an underlying skull base abnormality.

Findings:

  • Craniopharyngeal canals can be classified based on imaging features, aiding in assessing potential pituitary involvement and surgical planning.
  • The persistent craniopharyngeal duct was successfully treated using an endoscopic transsphenoidal approach.

Implications:

  • Accurate imaging-based classification of craniopharyngeal canals is essential for surgical planning and managing potential pituitary complications.
  • Endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery offers a viable treatment option for persistent craniopharyngeal duct causing recurrent meningitis.

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