Neuroimaging of childhood craniopharyngioma

The imaging of craniopharyngioma may include plain skull x-rays, computer tomography (CT) scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and angiography. Coronal studies are essential to properly define the regional anatomy. The solid or cystic character of the lesion is especially apparent with contrast enhancement. MRI adds a sagittal projection which is useful, and its increasing sophistication may eventually make angiography superfluous in these tumours. The appearance of craniopharyngiomas in each modality is described, including 3D, and an ideal imaging strategy presented. Postoperative imaging is best done with both MRI and CT, and enhanced studies done within 48 h to avoid the effect of surgical trauma.