Long term neuropsychological evaluation of adult patients with craniopharyngiomas.
In 22 adults assessed at least five years after craniopharyngioma treatment, more than 65% had at least one executive-function impairment, 75% reported fatigue, and some required targeted management such as cognitive rehabilitation.
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In 22 adults assessed at least five years after craniopharyngioma treatment, more than 65% had at least one executive-function impairment, 75% reported fatigue, and some required targeted management such as cognitive rehabilitation.
Research significance
The study supports routine long-term neuropsychological assessment as a way to identify potentially treatable cognitive and fatigue-related morbidity; whether screening or cognitive rehabilitation improves outcomes is an inference not tested by this observational report.
Source abstract
INTRODUCTION: Craniopharyngiomas are benign tumors that develop in the hypothalamic-pituitary region. Their treatment mainly involves surgery, sometimes combined with radiotherapy. The hypothalamus plays an essential role in hormonal balance and energy regulation, but also in cognition through connectivity circuits. The cognitive impact of craniopharyngioma treatment is poorly understood and has mainly been studied in children. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We report the neuropsychological assessments of 22 adult patients treated for craniopharyngioma with a follow-up of at least 5 years, 16 of whom were diagnosed while being adults. All assessments were performed by a neuropsychologist using validated tests. More than 65% of patients, including those diagnosed in adulthood, showed at least one impairment in executive functioning, especially cognitive inhibition or deficit in organization. 75% of patients reported fatigue. For half of these patients, these impairments needed specific treatment like cognitive rehabilitation. CONCLUSION: Neuropsychological evaluation has to be part of the follow-up of patients treated for a craniopharyngioma including those diagnosed during adulthood.