Rathke’s Cleft Cysts

Rathke’s Cleft Cysts

Rathke’s Cleft Cyst

Rathke’s cleft cysts occur in the region of the pituitary gland and are made of a thin sac containing thick fluid. They arise from developmental cells that remain after the pituitary gland has developed.

What Symptoms are Caused by Rathke’s cleft cysts?

Symptoms only arise if cysts are large enough to cause pressure.

• Headache
• Visual Disturbance – loss of peripheral vision
• Pituitary Dysfunction:
  • Reduced levels of hormones
  • Raised prolactin
  • Diabetes insipidus

How are Rathke’s cleft Cysts diagnosed

Patients usually undergo blood tests to look at pituitary hormone levels followed by MRI. If the presenting problem is loss of peripheral vision, an eye specialist may refer patients for a MRI.

How are Rathke’s cleft Cysts treated?

If they are small with no symptoms or pressure effect, they may be observed over time with regular MRIs.

If large, growing or causing symptoms due to pressure, surgery is indicated. Surgery is usually performed via the nose using an endoscope (see pituitary tumour).