Long-term outcome of the adult onset craniopharyngiomas

There is few published series dealing on the long-term outcome of the adult-onset craniopharyngiomas. We report the long term clinical, tomodensitometric and MRI data outcome of 35 (23 woman and 12 men) consecutive adult-onset cured for craniopharyngiomes between 1983 and 2002, and followed-up in Rennes University Hospital. The operation was performed via frontopterional approach in 59% and transphenordal approach in 41% of cases. Their age at the time of diagnosis was 44,7 +/- 15.1 years (21-74). The average postoperation follow-up was 7.4 +/- 7.0 years (0.1-19.1). Recurrence of tumour occurred in 8 patients (25.8%) and a tumor progression in I case. The delay of recurrence after initial surgery was 4.1 +/- 1.3 years (1.4-6.3). Two patients had 5 and 6 years treatment by growth hormone (GH), without tumor recurrence. The observed increase of weight after the surgical cure of craniopharyngiomas concerned 22 patients (63%). The average weight gain was 17.5 +/- 14.7 kg (1.5-58). In 7 cases (20%) neuropsychological disorders were noted, of which 2 with lost of professional activity. Three patients died. In conclusion the craniopharyngiomas recurrence is frequent and can appear in very prolonged deadlines after the initial surgery. (c) 2007 Elsevier Masson SAS. Tous droits reserves.