Neonatal rhinopharyngeal obstruction due to craniopharyngioma

Craniopharyngioma, the most common tumor of the sellar and suprasellar regions in childhood, can exceptionally develop in the infrasellar area. A premature girl (GA: 30 weeks) weighing 1240 g required intubation and ventilation because she suffered from a neonatal respiratory distress syndrome. Nasal endoscopy showed total obstruction of rhinopharynx by a tumor resembling adenoid tissue. This tumor was successfully excised and its histological examination showed a craniopharyngioma. A wide range of intranasal tumors has to be examined, endoscopy and CT scan are necessary for a precise localization and to eliminate meningocele.