[Pre- and postoperative endocrine function in children with craniopharyngioma ]

17 children presenting with craniopharyngioma were studied from 1970 to 1980. Presenting symptoms were usually reflecting endocrine dysfunction (13 of 17 cases), such as growth retardation, weight abnormalities, diabetes insipidus and hypothyroidism. Unfortunately, these signs were most often misinterpreted (10 of 13 cases) so that when diagnosis was made dissociated hypopituitarism was present. Further impairment of endocrine function always followed surgical excision. In most children pituitary insufficiency becomes complete and permanent. These results are similar whatever the tumor site and surgical procedure. Growth goes on and puberty occurs without treatment in a few cases but in the majority of them substitutive therapy is necessary.