Craniopharyngioma (Enhanced) (MRI/CT)	

Craniopharyngiomas may also exhibit both iso- and hyperintense components. The solid portions of the mass, and the periphery of the cystic components often enhance following contrast administration. MR imaging best shows the mass to be anatomically separate from the pituitary, helping to differentiate the mass from an adenoma. The calcification is much more apparent on CT examination which is often useful in differentiation from other masses. Less commonly, these tumours may appear entirely solid or demonstrate ring calcification surrounding a cystic component (Fig. 24.16).

Fig. 24.16 Atypical craniopharyngioma. Coronal Tl-weighted MR image (a) following contrast administration showing enhancement of a solid sellar mass with a ring enhancing suprasellar cystic component. A CT image (b) of the same patient shows a ring of calcification around the cystic portion of the mass.