Visual Presentation and Factors Affecting Visual Outcome in Children with Craniopharyngioma in East Coast States of Peninsular Malaysia: A Five-year Review

Global pediatric craniopharyngioma management modalities and outcomes

INTRODUCTION

Pediatric craniopharyngioma is a complex pathology, with optimal management involving a multidisciplinary approach and thoughtful care coordination. To date, no studies have compared various treatment modalities and outcomes described in different global regions. We conducted a comprehensive systematic review to compare demographics, clinical presentation, treatment approach and outcomes of children diagnosed with craniopharyngioma globally.

METHODS

A systematic review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Item for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Search terms included "craniopharyngioma" and country-specific terms. Inclusion criteria included full-text studies published between 2000-2022, primarily examining pediatric patients 18-years old or younger diagnosed with craniopharyngioma, and reporting management and outcomes of interest. Data extracted included country of origin, demographical data, initial presentation and treatment modality, and outcomes. Descriptive statistics and between-group comparisons based on country of origin were performed.

RESULTS

Of 797 search results, 35 articles were included, mostly originating from high-income countries (HIC) (n = 25, 71.4%). No studies originated from low-income countries (LIC). When comparing HIC to middle-income countries (MIC), no differences in patient demographics were observed. No differences in symptomatology at initial presentation, tumor type, surgical approach or extent of surgical resection were observed. HIC patients undergoing intracystic therapy were more likely to receive bleomycin (n = 48, 85.7%), while the majority of MIC patients received interferon therapy (n = 10, 62.5%). All MIC patients undergoing radiation therapy underwent photon therapy (n = 102). No statistically significant differences were observed in postoperative complications or mean follow-up duration between HIC and MIC (78.1 ± 32.2 vs. 58.5 ± 32.1 months, p = 0.241).

CONCLUSION

Pediatric craniopharyngioma presents and is managed similarly across the globe. However, no studies originating from LICs and resource-poor regions examine presentation and management to date, representing a significant knowledge gap that must be addressed to complete the global picture of pediatric craniopharyngioma burden and management.

Advances in the treatment of Adamantinomatous craniopharyngioma: How to balance tumor control and quality of life in the current environment: a narrative review

Adamantinomatous craniopharyngioma (ACP) presents a significant challenge to neurosurgeons despite its benign histology due to its aggressive behavior and unique growth patterns. This narrative review explores the evolving landscape of ACP treatments and their efficacy, highlighting the continuous development in therapeutic approaches in recent years. Traditionally, complete resection was the primary treatment for ACP, but surgical -related morbidity have led to a shift. The invasive nature of the finger-like protrusions in the histological structure results in a higher recurrence rate for ACP compared to papillary craniopharyngioma (PCP), even after complete macroscopic resection. Given this, combining subtotal resection with adjuvant radiotherapy has shown potential for achieving similar tumor control rates and potentially positive endocrine effects. Simultaneously, adjuvant treatments (such as radiotherapy, intracystic treatment, and catheter implantation) following limited surgery offer alternative approaches for sustained disease control while minimizing morbidity and alleviating clinical symptoms. Additionally, advances in understanding the molecular pathways of ACP have paved the way for targeted drugs, showing promise for therapy. There is a diversity of treatment models for ACP, and determining the optimal approach remains a subject of ongoing debate in the present context. In order to achieve a good-term quality of life (QOL), the main goal of the cyst disappearance or reduction of surgical treatment is still the main. Additionally, there should be a greater emphasis on personalized treatment at this particular stage and the consideration of ACP as a potentially chronic neurosurgical condition. This review navigates the evolving landscape of ACP therapies, fostering ongoing discussions in this complex field.

A Rare Occurrence of Craniopharyngioma Causing Visual Disturbance in Pregnancy

Craniopharyngioma is a rare and benign sellar and suprasellar region tumour. It rarely manifests during pregnancy. We report a 32-year-old primigravida at 19 weeks of gestation with a craniopharyngioma, presenting with visual disturbances during pregnancy. Her vision was 6/9 OD and counting fingers OS with a relative afferent pupillary defect in the left eye. Fundi were normal bilaterally. Visual field testing showed a nasal field defect OD and generalized depression OS. Brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed a suprasellar tumour with chiasmatic compression. Craniotomy and excision of the tumour were done at 20 weeks of gestation. Histopathological examination was consistent with craniopharyngioma. Postoperatively, mother and foetus were stable. Vision improved from counting fingers to 6/6 OS and remained at 6/9 OD. Subsequently, she delivered a healthy baby at term. Such rare and difficult cases warrant close multidisciplinary cooperation pre- and post-operatively to attain optimal outcomes for both mother and baby. By optimizing the patient's medical condition, risks of complications may be reduced. A poor pre-operative vision should also not deter surgical intervention as a proven good visual outcome is achievable.

Visual functions in children with craniopharyngioma at diagnosis: A systematic review

Childhood craniopharyngioma is a rare and slow growing brain tumour, often located in the sellar and suprasellar region. It commonly manifests with visual impairment, increased intracranial pressure and hypothalamic and/or pituitary deficiencies. Visual impairment in childhood adversely affects a child’s daily functioning and quality of life. We systematically reviewed the literature to provide an extensive overview of the visual function in children with craniopharyngioma at diagnosis in order to estimate the diversity, magnitude and relevance of the problem of visual impairment. Of the 543 potentially relevant articles, 84 studies met our inclusion criteria. Visual impairment at diagnosis was reported in 1041 of 2071 children (50.3%), decreased visual acuity was reported in 546 of 1321 children (41.3%) and visual field defects were reported in 426 of 1111 children (38.3%). Other ophthalmological findings described were fundoscopic (32.5%) and orthoptic abnormalities (12.5%). Variations in ophthalmological testing methods and ophthalmological definitions precluded a meta-analysis. The results of this review confirm the importance of ophthalmological examination in children with craniopharyngioma at diagnosis in order to detect visual impairment and provide adequate support. Future studies should focus on long-term visual follow-up of childhood craniopharyngioma in response to different treatment strategies to provide insight in risks and ways to prevent further loss of vision.