Xanthogranuloma of the suprasellar region mimicking cystic craniopharyngioma: A case report

Abstract

Background: Xanthogranuloma of the sellar region is an extremely rare benign entity with only case reports and series documented in the literature. We aim to describe in this report a case of a suprasellar xanthogranuloma that was diagnosed initially as a cystic craniopharyngioma. Case Description: A 28-year-old woman presented to the clinic with a 2-week history of headaches, blurred vision, nausea, and vomiting. She had no medical or surgical history, no signs of hormonal disturbances, and no family history of brain tumors or endocrine diseases. Her neurological examination was unremarkable except for bitemporal hemianopia on visual field testing. A magnetic resonance imaging of the brain showed a cystic mass in the sellar region that was compressing the optic chiasm with radiological features representing cystic craniopharyngioma. She underwent endoscopic transnasal transsphenoidal surgery to excise the mass, and only subtotal excision was achieved to preserve the pituitary function. The histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of a xanthogranuloma of the sellar region. The postoperative course was unremarkable, and she did not receive any adjuvant therapy. There was no recurrence of the clinical symptoms or the mass during the 18-month follow-up period. Conclusion: Although xanthogranuloma is uncommon, it should be included in the differential diagnosis of sellar/suprasellar lesions. Due to its wide range of radiological features that sometimes can mimic other lesions, a definitive diagnosis can only be made postoperatively. Surgical excision is the most accepted treatment with a favorable prognosis and low rates of recurrence.