Craniopharyngiomas (CPs) could occurred in anywhere along craniopharyngeal
canal. The diverse original points of tumor lead to significant differences in
expansion [1]. Although the majority of CPs have a supradiaphragmatic origin
(infundibular stalk/pars tuberalis), a number of CPs arise primarily from the
subdiaphragmatic space and usually cause marked sellar enlargement before extending
intracranially. Several terms, such as “sub- or infradiaphragmatic CP” and “sellar CP”
have been coined to describe this type of tumor [2-6]. However, details of the clinical
and morphological features of this tumor type were missing from previous literature
reports. In this chapter, we focus on CPs that originate from the infradiaphragmatic
space (Id-CP) and illustrate the tumor growth patterns, preoperative clinical and
radiological features, intraoperative findings, and long-term outcomes.
Keywords: Craniopharyngioma, Pituitary Stalk, Sellar Region, Subdiaphragma.
