Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 5, 2026

Endoscopic Endonasal Trans-sphenoidal Approach: Minimally Invasive Surgery for Pituitary Adenomas
07:43

Endoscopic Endonasal Trans-sphenoidal Approach: Minimally Invasive Surgery for Pituitary Adenomas

Published on: January 17, 2018

Risk factor for pituitary dysfunction in children and adolescents with Rathke's cleft cysts

Han Hyuk Lim1, Sei Won Yang

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, Korea.

Korean Journal of Pediatrics
|December 31, 2010
PubMed

Insights

General weakness is a key indicator of pituitary insufficiency in children with Rathke's cleft cysts. Early evaluation of pituitary function and surgical consideration are recommended for affected patients.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Endocrinology
  • Neurosurgery
  • Pediatric Neurology

Background:

  • Rathke's cleft cysts are congenital tumors that can cause pituitary insufficiency in children and adolescents.
  • Clinical manifestations vary, but endocrinopathy and neurological symptoms are common.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate clinical manifestations and identify risk factors for pituitary insufficiency in pediatric patients with Rathke's cleft cysts.
  • To correlate cyst characteristics with hormonal deficits and neurological symptoms.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of 44 pediatric patients (under 19 years) with Rathke's cleft cysts.
  • Analysis of clinical, hormonal, and brain MRI findings.
  • Histological confirmation in 15 patients, MRI confirmation in 29.

Main Results:

  • Symptomatic patients presented with headache (65%), endocrinopathy (61%), and visual disturbances (19%).
  • Common endocrinopathies included central precocious puberty and diabetes insipidus.
  • General weakness was identified as a significant risk factor for pituitary insufficiency (R²=0.549).
  • Suprasellar extension and T2-weighted MRI signals correlated with hypothyroidism, hypocortisolism, and diabetes insipidus.

Conclusions:

  • General weakness is a significant predictor of pituitary insufficiency in pediatric Rathke's cleft cyst patients.
  • Clinicians should assess pituitary function in patients with general weakness and consider surgical intervention.
Abstract

Keywords:
Pituitary insufficiencyRathke's cleft cysts

More Related Videos

Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy and Pineal Biopsy from a Single Entry Point03:13

Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy and Pineal Biopsy from a Single Entry Point

Published on: June 28, 2024

Development of Organoids from Mouse Pituitary as In Vitro Model to Explore Pituitary Stem Cell Biology09:48

Development of Organoids from Mouse Pituitary as In Vitro Model to Explore Pituitary Stem Cell Biology

Published on: February 25, 2022

Related Concept Videos

Cushing Syndrome II: Pathophysiology01:19

Cushing Syndrome II: Pathophysiology

Cortisol production is normally governed by the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis, which maintains hormonal balance through tightly regulated feedback mechanisms. Disruption of this regulatory system is central to the development of Cushing syndrome, whether the excess cortisol originates from external medications or internal pathology. Persistent cortisol elevation alters metabolism, immune function, and endocrine signaling, producing the characteristic clinical features of the...
Adrenal Gland Disorders01:27

Adrenal Gland Disorders

Adrenal gland disorders manifest when the production of adrenal hormones deviates from the norm, resulting in either excessive or insufficient concentrations.
Adrenal insufficiency, characterized by insufficient cortisol and aldosterone production, leads to conditions like Addison's disease. This disorder, affecting the adrenal cortex, exhibits symptoms such as skin bronzing, dehydration, low blood pressure, fatigue, and weight loss. Congenital adrenal hyperplasia, a genetic ailment causing...
Cushing Syndrome I: Introduction01:26

Cushing Syndrome I: Introduction

Cushing syndrome refers to the collection of clinical manifestations that arise when tissues are exposed to excessive amounts of cortisol or cortisol-like medications over an extended period. Cortisol, a glucocorticoid produced by the adrenal cortex, regulates metabolism, immune responses, and the body’s adaptation to stress. When its concentration remains chronically elevated, these physiological pathways become dysregulated, resulting in the characteristic features of the syndrome.Exogenous...
Major Hormones and Their Functions01:27

Major Hormones and Their Functions

Hormones, the biochemical messengers produced by endocrine glands, are pivotal in regulating bodily functions and maintaining homeostasis. Each hormone's balance is crucial; imbalances can lead to significant physiological disruptions. Major hormones include oxytocin, cortisol, epinephrine, estrogen, testosterone, thyroxine, growth hormone, insulin, and glucagon.
Oxytocin, produced in the hypothalamus and released by the pituitary gland, plays a role in social bonding, childbirth, and lactation.
The Pituitary Gland01:17

The Pituitary Gland

The pituitary is a small endocrine organ in the sphenoid bone under the hypothalamus. Primarily, the pituitary in adults has two distinct anatomical and functional regions— the anterior and posterior lobes. During human fetal development, a third pituitary gland region called the pars intermedia atrophies and disappears. However, some of its cells migrate and exist adjacent to the anterior pituitary in adults.
Hypothyroidism II: Pathophysiology01:23

Hypothyroidism II: Pathophysiology

Hypothyroidism is a disorder characterized by insufficient production of thyroid hormones, which regulate metabolism, energy balance, and multiple organ systems.TypesHypothyroidism is classified based on the level of dysfunction. Primary hypothyroidism results from intrinsic thyroid gland dysfunction, causing reduced hormone production despite normal or increased stimulation. Secondary hypothyroidism arises from inadequate thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) secretion by the pituitary. Tertiary...