Anatomic relations of the arachnoidea around the pituitary stalk: relevance for surgical removal of craniopharyngiomas

Purpose The growth pattern of craniopharyngiomas (CP) is yet to be understood due to challenges arising from the diversity of morphological features that exist. This in turn has had implications on the development of safe surgical strategies for management of these lesions. The aim of this study is to propose a morphological classification of CP based on their tumor–membrane relationship. It is hoped that this will contribute to better understanding of CP morphology and prediction of the intraoperative classification. Methods Histological techniques were used to study eight fetuses. Following Masson staining, the membranes around the pituitary stalk were observed under microscope. Preoperative MRI and intraoperative images of 195 patients with CP were also analyzed. Findings The arachnoidal sleeve around the pituitary stalk (ASPS) was noted to be comprised of a compact fibrous component and a related loose trabecular component. The pituitary stalk was divided into four segments in accordance with the folds of the ASPS. Correspondingly, the growth of CPs was divided into four basic patterns—infra-diaphragmatic (ID), extra-arachnoidal (EA), intra-arachnoidal (IA) and sub-arachnoidal (SA) growth. The IA growth pattern can be further subdivided into two subtypes—namely, IA1 (with tumor growing within the fibrous component of the ASPS) and IA2 (with tumor growing within the trabecular component). This method of topographical division can be used to understand the growth of CP—infra-diaphragmatic CP show growth pattern ID or ID together with EA. Suprasellar CP can show an extra-ventricular growth pattern (EA or IA2), an extra- and intra-ventricular (IA2+SA) growth pattern, a trans-infundibular growth pattern (ID+IA1+SA) and an infundibulo-tuberal growth pattern (SA or SA+IA1). There is a statistically significant difference between CP growth patterns in children and adults. A predominance of ID growth is noted in children while adults tend to show a pattern of predominantly Extra-ventricular (EV) growth. Conclusion Our proposed classification details the relationship of the surrounding structures to CPs and purports to predict and identify the intraoperative anatomical stratification. It also attempts to help predict the growth patterns of these tumors. A knowledge of the intimate relations of the tumor and its key surrounding structures allows for safe surgical removal.