Subdiaphragmatic Craniopharyngioma (Type “Q”)

Craniopharyngiomas (CPs) could occurred in anywhere along craniopharyngeal canal. The diverse original points of tumor lead to significant differences in expansion [1]. Although the majority of CPs have a supradiaphragmatic origin (infundibular stalk/pars tuberalis), a number of CPs arise primarily from the subdiaphragmatic space and usually cause marked sellar enlargement before extending intracranially. Several terms, such as “sub- or infradiaphragmatic CP” and “sellar CP” have been coined to describe this type of tumor [2-6]. However, details of the clinical and morphological features of this tumor type were missing from previous literature reports. In this chapter, we focus on CPs that originate from the infradiaphragmatic space (Id-CP) and illustrate the tumor growth patterns, preoperative clinical and radiological features, intraoperative findings, and long-term outcomes.

Keywords: Craniopharyngioma, Pituitary Stalk, Sellar Region, Subdiaphragma.