Craniopharyngioma With High FDG Uptake

Craniopharyngiomas are slow-growing epithelial neoplasms in the suprasellar region. Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) accumulation in a craniopharyngioma has not been previously recognized. We report a case of a suprasellar craniopharyngioma with F-18 FDG positron emission tomography (PET) findings, which showed intense accumulation of FDG. Histologic examination revealed a papillary craniopharyngioma with no evidence of malignant features. Six months after excision, recurrence of the tumor was detected. FDG PET might be helpful in predicting the potential for early recurrence of craniopharyngioma. Nuclear medicine physicians should be aware that craniopharyngioma may be included in the differential diagnosis of suprasellar tumors with high FDG uptake.