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[Rathke's cleft cyst]
F Bonneville1, F Cattin, J-F Bonneville
1Fédération de Neuroradiologie, Bâtiment Babinski, Groupe Hospitalier Pitié-Salpêtrière, 47, boulevard de l'Hôpital, 75013 Paris, France. fabrice.bonneville@psl.ap-hop-paris.fr
Journal of Neuroradiology = Journal De Neuroradiologie
|October 21, 2003
Summary
Rathke's cleft cysts (RCC) are common sellar lesions. Diagnosis relies on MRI, with asymptomatic cases managed by observation and symptomatic ones by resection.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Endocrinology
- Neurosurgery
Context:
- Rathke's cleft cysts (RCC) are frequent benign cystic lesions in the sellar region.
- Most RCCs are small, intrasellar, and asymptomatic.
- Larger cysts can compress adjacent structures, potentially causing symptoms.
Purpose:
- To describe the diagnostic features of Rathke's cleft cysts.
- To outline management strategies for both asymptomatic and symptomatic RCCs.
Summary:
- Diagnosis of RCC is strongly suggested by MRI findings: a midline, non-enhancing lesion between the pituitary gland's anterior and posterior lobes.
- The cyst's signal intensity on MRI can vary based on protein concentration but should be homogeneous without fluid-fluid levels.
- Asymptomatic incidental RCCs typically require routine MR and clinical follow-up.
- Symptomatic RCCs, though rare, necessitate neurosurgical resection.
Impact:
- Provides clear diagnostic criteria for Rathke's cleft cysts using MRI.
- Differentiates management approaches based on cyst symptomatology.
- Highlights the importance of neuroimaging in evaluating sellar lesions.