Clinical features, management and recurrence of symptomatic Rathke's cleft cyst

Abstract

Rathke's cleft cyst (RCC) is a rare lesion of the pituitary gland that is often asymptomatic. The objective of this study was to further characterise the presenting symptoms, endocrinopathy and potential for recurrence of this lesion in an Australian population. The files of 12 patients with pathologically confirmed RCCs were reviewed retrospectively. Common presentations included headache, endocrinopathy, and visual disturbance. Uncommon presentations included 1 patient with pituitary apoplexy. The cysts varied in size from 6 mm to 20 mm; 8 had a suprasellar component. 1 patient had evidence of a RCC with xanthogranulomatous change. RCC recurrence was noted on follow-up MRI in 5 patients. In conclusion, RCCs are rare lesions that can present with an array of clinical symptoms. The relatively high rate of recurrence may indicate a link between this pathology and craniopharyngioma, although many patients with recurrent RCC do not require repeat resection and remain asymptomatic.