Persistent Craniopharyngeal Canal (Type 3C) with Vertebrobasilar Dolichoectasia and Bilateral Sclerochoroidal Calcification.

Abstract

The persistent craniopharyngeal canal is a rare, well-corticated midline congenital bony defect through the sphenoid bone between the sellar floor and the nasopharyngeal roof. The prevalence of persistent craniopharyngeal canal is reported to be 0.42%. A 42-year-old male was evaluated for nasal discharge and progressive vision loss; and underwent computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, which revealed a large craniopharyngeal canal with ectopic pituitary, lipoma, encephalocele, deformed globe with sclerochoroidal calcification and vertebrobasilar dolichoectasia. The presence of orbital and optic tract malformation, craniofacial anomalies, and tumors can be associated with the craniopharyngeal canal.