Recurrence in pediatric craniopharyngiomas: analysis of clinical and histological features

Objective The purpose of this study was to investigate the recurrence pattern and significance of various clinical and histological features as predictors of recurrence in pediatric craniopharyngiomas.Methods A series of 116 pediatric craniopharyngiomas (68 boys and 48 girls; age range, 1.6–18 years) was reviewed. Mean follow-up period was 18.53 months. Tumors recurred in 15 patients within 96 months [mean recurrence-free survival (RFS), 12.67 months]. Of the recurrence cases, 2 had complete (mean RFS, 16 months) and 13 had subtotal tumor excision (mean RFS, 9.03 months). Histologically, an adamantinous pattern was seen in 95% of cases, whereas a papillary pattern was noted in 5%. Brain tissue was included in 41 cases. In 32 of 41 cases, brain invasion was noted, and all were of adamantinous histology. No correlation was noted of histopathological subtyping or brain invasion with recurrence.Conclusions The significant clinical factors associated with recurrence included extent of resection, tumor size >4 cm, and cystic tumors.