Q- A 6-year-old girl is brought to her pediatrician by her mother for consultation. She said that her daughter is frequently bumping into chairs while walking or playing. On examination, she is found to have bitemporal hemianopia. CT scan shows calcification in the pituitary fossa.
What is the most likely diagnosis of this condition?
A-Choriocarcinoma
B-Craniopharyngioma
C-Gangliocytoma
D-Germinoma
E-Teratoma
Answer and Explanation
This child’s symptoms are classic for craniopharyngioma.
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Bitemporal hemianopia indicates compression of the optic chiasm, which lies just above the pituitary.
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Calcification in the pituitary (sellar/suprasellar) region on CT is a hallmark finding of craniopharyngioma.
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It is one of the most common suprasellar tumors in children.
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It arises from Rathke’s pouch remnants and often has cystic and calcified components.
Why not the others?
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Choriocarcinoma, germinoma, and teratoma are germ cell tumors and are less commonly associated with calcified pituitary masses in young children.
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Gangliocytoma is rare and usually presents with hormone hypersecretion rather than visual field defects.
The correct answer is B
Key takeaway:
Child + bitemporal hemianopia + calcified sellar/suprasellar mass = Craniopharyngioma.
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