Classification of Craniopharyngioma on Sagittal MRI Imaging

The size of a craniopharyngioma can be classified based on its extent in a sagittal MRI image.

Patient selection: craniopharyngioma

Imaging study: sagittal MRI through midline

Parameters:

(1) vertical extent

(2) extent relative to the mammillary bodies

Vertical Extent	Extent Relative to Mammillary Bodies	Type
limited by the diaphragm sella	NA	1
above the diaphragm sella but below optic chiasm and mammillary bodies	NA	2
above the optic chiasm and mammillary bodies	anterior to the mammillary bodies	3a
above the optic chiasm and mammillary bodies	posterior to the mammillary bodies	3b

The type can be used in therapeutic planning:

(1) Type 1 craniopharyngiomas can be reached by transphenoidal surgery.

(2) Type 3 craniopharyngiomas are usually treated by a transcranial procedure.

(3) Type 2 craniopharyngiomas may be treated by transphenoidal and/or transcranial surgery.

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