Concurrent growth hormone-producing pituitary adenoma and Rathke's cleft cyst

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Neurosurgery
• Pathology

Background:

• Pituitary adenomas are common tumors, but concurrent Rathke's cleft cysts (RCCs) are rare.
• Growth hormone-producing pituitary adenomas cause acromegaly.
• Rathke's cleft cysts are benign cysts arising from remnant Rathke's pouch tissue.

Observation:

• A middle-aged female presented with symptoms suggestive of a pituitary adenoma.
• Radiologic imaging revealed a concurrent growth hormone-producing pituitary adenoma and a Rathke's cleft cyst.
• The patient's clinical presentation and imaging findings were analyzed.

Findings:

• The case highlights the infrequent co-existence of a functioning pituitary adenoma and an RCC.
• Diagnostic challenges in differentiating or identifying concurrent lesions are noted.
• Histopathological correlation confirmed both pathologies.

Implications:

• Understanding concurrent pituitary and Rathke's cleft cyst presentations is crucial for accurate diagnosis.
• Management strategies require careful consideration of both lesions.
• This finding contributes to the literature on complex sellar region pathologies.