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Acta OphthalmolJune 201721 citations

Predictors of visual outcome in patients operated for craniopharyngioma - a Danish national study.

Jacobsen Mads Forslund, Thomsen Ann Sofia Skou, Bach-Holm Daniella, Doroudian Ghazaleh, Nissen Kamilla Rothe, Fugleholm Kåre, Poulsgaard Lars, Siersma Volkert, Heegaard Steffen


AI Summary

This study found craniopharyngioma surgery offers slight visual acuity improvement, especially with papilledema or early intervention. Early ophthalmological assessment is crucial for detection and better outcomes.

Abstract

Purpose

Craniopharyngioma often causes visual loss due to the close relation to the anterior visual pathways. This study investigates the incidence and predictors of visual outcomes in patients with craniopharyngioma.

Methods

Data from sixty-six patients who underwent surgery for craniopharyngioma from 2009 to 2013 in Denmark were reviewed. Primary outcomes were visual acuity (VA) and visual field (VF) defects from pre-and postoperative visits. Secondary outcomes were optic nerve atrophy (OA) and papilledema.

Results

Fifty-eight patients were included. The VA of the patients 1-year after surgery improved by -0.16 log(MAR) (95%CI: -0.30 to -0.02; p = 0.0266). Visual field (VF) defects worsened in 17 eyes (30%), remained stable in 21 eyes (37%) and improved in 19 eyes (33%). The presence of papilledema and the absence of OA were significantly correlated with an improvement in VA postoperatively (p = 0.011 and p = 0.011, respectively). Patients undergoing surgery within a week or less after their first ophthalmological examination had a significant improvement in VA (-0.36; 95%CI: -0.62 to -0.09; p = 0.0099). Patients undergoing surgery using a subfrontal approach also showed improvement in VA (p = 0.048). Tumour recurrence had a significantly worse VA outcome (p = 0.0074).

Conclusion

Patients show a slight improvement in VA 1-year after operation for craniopharyngioma. The presence of papilledema and early surgical intervention is associated with a significant improvement in VA. Early involvement of a dedicated ophthalmologist is recommended to secure an early detection of a visual decline and potential tumour recurrence.


MeSH Terms

AdolescentAdultBlindnessChildChild, PreschoolCohort StudiesCraniopharyngiomaDenmarkFemaleFollow-Up StudiesHumansIncidenceInfantInfant, NewbornMaleMiddle AgedNeurosurgical ProceduresOptic ChiasmPapilledemaPituitary NeoplasmsPrevalenceRetrospective StudiesTime FactorsVisual AcuityVisual FieldsYoung Adult

Key Concepts5

The visual acuity (VA) of patients 1-year after surgery for craniopharyngioma improved by -0.16 log(MAR) (95%CI: -0.30 to -0.02; p = 0.0266).

PrognosisCohortRetrospective Cohort Studyn=58 patientsCh6Ch7

In patients who underwent surgery for craniopharyngioma, visual field (VF) defects worsened in 17 eyes (30%), remained stable in 21 eyes (37%), and improved in 19 eyes (33%).

PrognosisCohortRetrospective Cohort Studyn=58 patientsCh6Ch7

The presence of papilledema (p = 0.011) and the absence of optic nerve atrophy (OA) (p = 0.011) were significantly correlated with an improvement in visual acuity (VA) postoperatively in patients who underwent surgery for craniopharyngioma.

PrognosisCohortRetrospective Cohort Studyn=58 patientsCh5Ch7

Patients undergoing surgery for craniopharyngioma within a week or less after their first ophthalmological examination had a significant improvement in visual acuity (VA) of -0.36 log(MAR) (95%CI: -0.62 to -0.09; p = 0.0099).

PrognosisCohortRetrospective Cohort Studyn=58 patientsCh7Ch28

Tumour recurrence had a significantly worse visual acuity (VA) outcome (p = 0.0074) in patients who underwent surgery for craniopharyngioma.

PrognosisCohortRetrospective Cohort Studyn=58 patientsCh7Ch22

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