Craniopharyngeoma presenting as psychosis, disinhibition and personality change without neurological signs

Abstract

Tumors of the pituitary are associated most commonly with visual changes or endocrine abnormalities. Although a significant proportion of such tumors cause cognitive abnormalities, only a small number of cases have been reported in which the presenting symptoms are primarily ‘psychiatric’ in nature. The case described below highlights the importance of ancillary investigations in the evaluation of patients admitted to psychiatric wards. Despite the size and extension of the tumor, the patient showed no clear neurological signs, and screening serology was normal except for an elevated prolactin level. Only diagnostic imaging was able to reveal the presence of a calcified, cystic suprasellar mass that was confirmed to be a craniopharyngeoma by histopathology.