Craniopharyngioma in an elderly patient

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Endocrinology
• Oncology

Background:

• Craniopharyngioma is a rare brain tumor typically diagnosed in children and young adults.
• This tumor arises from remnants of Rathke's pouch and can occur in the suprasellar region.

Observation:

• An 82.5-year-old female patient presented with visual field deficits, panhypopituitarism, and altered mental status.
• This case represents the oldest documented patient with a histologically confirmed craniopharyngioma.

Findings:

• Craniopharyngioma can manifest in older individuals, presenting with symptoms such as visual disturbances and hormonal deficiencies.
• The tumor's presence in an elderly patient highlights its potential for late-onset diagnosis.

Implications:

• Consider craniopharyngioma in elderly patients presenting with unexplained neurological and endocrine symptoms.
• Craniopharyngioma is a potentially curable neoplasm, emphasizing the importance of timely diagnosis and treatment regardless of patient age.