Ectopic clival craniopharyngioma.

Abstract

Craniopharyngiomas are rare, benign tumors with a bimodal age distribution, typically found in children and older adults. They arise along the craniopharyngeal tract, often in the intra- or suprasellar regions, and may compress adjacent structures, causing diverse symptoms. Diagnosis is primarily MRI-based, revealing heterogeneous mass with cystic and solid elements. Chordoma, another rare tumor, arises from notochordal remnants, often in the sacrum or clivus, and displays distinct imaging characteristics like T2 hyperintensity and bony destruction. This report discusses a rare ectopic clival craniopharyngioma in an 11-year-old- the youngest case reported in the literature to our knowledge -extending from the sellar to the clival region. Noteworthy imaging findings included T1 hyperintensity and a downward growth pattern along the expected Rathke pouch course, helping distinguish it from chordoma.