{"id":"26204b83-37dd-4b5a-9729-8b906a060be4","slug":"spontaneous-leaking-craniopharyngioma-causing-preoperative-chemical-meningitis","title":"Spontaneous leaking craniopharyngioma causing preoperative chemical meningitis","authors":["Ashis Patnaik","Ashok Kumar Mahapatra","Saurav Sarkar","Dillip Kumar Samal"],"abstract":"Background: Spontaneous chemical meningitis in craniopharyngioma is a rare phenomenon, typically caused by the rupture of the tumor and the release of cholesterol crystals into the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). This letter discusses a unique case of chemical meningitis resulting from a leaking craniopharyngioma, rather than a complete rupture, highlighting the complexities involved in diagnosis and management. Summary: A 13-year-old girl presented with symptoms including headaches and vision loss, and imaging revealed a cystic lesion in the pituitary fossa. While awaiting surgery, she developed fever and altered sensorium, leading to a CSF analysis that confirmed chemical meningitis. Treatment included intravenous steroids and antibiotics, followed by successful surgical excision of the lesion, which contained cholesterol crystals. Conclusion: This case emphasizes the need for neurosurgeons to recognize the possibility of spontaneous leakage or rupture of cystic tumors like craniopharyngiomas, which can lead to chemical meningitis preoperatively. Proper CSF and radiological evaluations are essential to determine the cause and guide treatment. Keywords: craniopharyngioma, chemical meningitis, cystic tumor, cholesterol crystals, surgery, CSF analysis, pediatric neurosurgery","thumbnailUrl":"https://sni-digital-videos.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/26204b83-37dd-4b5a-9729-8b906a060be4/featured/hero-1782420800132.png","publishDate":"2016-04-14T00:00:00.000Z","doi":"10.4103/2152-7806.180466","categories":["Letter to the Editor"],"fullTextUrl":"https://surgicalneurologyint.com/api/articles/26204b83-37dd-4b5a-9729-8b906a060be4/pdf"}