A Novel, Hybrid, Stereotactic Approach (Radiosurgery and Dual Ommaya Reservoirs) for the Treatment of Mixed (Polycystic and Solid) Craniopharyngioma

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Craniopharyngioma is a difficult entity to treat, which is particularly true for mixed craniopharyngioma (i.e., a mixture of both solid and cystic components). The present case report illustrates a minimally invasive, two-component, stereotactic treatment approach as an alternative to standard microsurgery. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 38-year-old patient presented with progressive intracranial hypertension followed by pan-hypopituitarism, deterioration of the visual field, and cognitive impairment. Brain MRI revealed hydrocephalus and a suprasellar mixed solid and polycystic lesion that was suggestive of craniopharyngioma. Using a robot-assisted, stereotactic treatment approach, we combined the installation of catheters for 2 Ommaya reservoirs with 5-fraction CyberKnife radiosurgery of the solid tumor. The high intracranial pressure and visual field deterioration resolved completely. A partial improvement in endocrine function was noted, and the patient returned to work 6 weeks after surgery. CONCLUSION: A combined, robot-assisted, stereotactic approach to the treatment of mixed (solid and polycystic) craniopharyngioma is a safe alternative to microsurgery. Further studies including larger numbers of patients will be needed to assess the long-term efficacy and morbidity and mortality rates associated with this approach.