CRANIOPHARYNGIOMA IN THE ELDERLY

Abstract

Craniopharyngiomas were studied in 24 patients averaging 57.4 years of age with particular attention to symptoms of visual defects and mental disturbance. The most common symptom in this group was visual failure related to a reduction in visual acuity and abnormalities in visual fields. Mental changes were observed in 50% of the patients. In 8 of these the disturbance was profound whereas in the other 4 a slight deterioration of recent memory, somnolence, apathy and loss of interest were the only symptoms of mental disturbance. The decline in visual acuity was slow and an average of 27 months had passed in this group before advice was sought. Contrary to previous reports this study shows the diagnostic importance of mental symptoms. Other related clinical features noted were anosmia, seizures, increased protein content of cerebrospinal fluid, abnormal calcification above the sella turcica, sterile meningitis and endocrine abnormalities primarily related to pituitary or hypothalamic disorders.