Hypothalamic obesity in adults with craniopharyngiomas: prevalence and risk factors before and after neurosurgical treatment

Hypothalamic obesity (weight gain due to hypothalamic damage) is a common complication of surgical treatment of craniopharyngiomas. Data on the prevalence and clinical features of hypothalamic obesity in adults with craniopharyngiomas are scarce, and reports on prognostic factors are contradictory. Objective. To assess the prevalence and risk factors of hypothalamic obesity before and after neurosurgical treatment of craniopharyngiomas in adults. Material and methods. This prospective study included 99 adults with craniopharyngioma. A comprehensive examination was performed. Damage to hypothalamic-pituitary structures was assessed using preoperative MRI, clinical, laboratory and intraoperative data. Results. Pre- and postoperative hypothalamic obesity was detected in 32 (32%) and 47 (57.3%) patients, respectively. Hypothalamic obesity was significantly more common in pituitary stalk and ventricular craniopharyngiomas compared to endosuprasellar craniopharyngiomas (p