Rathke cleft cyst

Axial noncontrast CT (image 1), coronal T2 weighted MRI (image 2), and sagittal T1-weighted post contrast MRI (image 3) shows a Rathke cleft cyst within the pituitary fossa extending into the suprasellar region. Rathke cleft cysts are a common incidental lesion representing an embryologic remnant. While most are asymptomatic, large cysts can cause headache, visual field deficits, or pituitary dysfunction.

Similar Cases

Coronal and sagittal T1-weighted MRI image of the brain shows absence of the septum pellucidum, hypoplasia of the optic nerves and hypoplasia of the pituitary. Septo-optic dysplasia can be associated with polymicrogyria, schizencephaly, and other midline malformations. Ocular anomalies such as coloboma or microphthalmia may be present.

Axial, coronal, and sagittal T1-weighted post-contrast MRI focused on the pituitary show thickening of the infundibulum and enlargement of the pituitary. Langerhans cell histiocytosis rarely affects the central nervous system. When it does, patients may present with diabetes insipidus, ataxia, or hydrocephalus.

Coronal FLAIR and axial T2-weighted MRI show a large, open-lipped schizencephaly accompanied by a bifrontal arachnoid cyst and absence of the septum pellucidum. Schizencephaly can be differentiated from porencephalic cysts by the presence of gray matter lining the cleft.

Sagittal and axial T2-weighted MRI show a Rathke cleft cyst extending into the sella turcica. Rathke cleft cysts arise from epithelial remnants between the anterior and posterior lobes of the pituitary gland.