Rathke cleft cyst | Figure 1

CincyKidsRad

Cincinnati Children's Radiology

Rathke cleft cyst

Sagittal (image 1) and axial (image 2) T2-weighted MRI show a Rathke cleft cyst (arrow) extending into the sella turcica. Rathke cleft cysts arise from epithelial remnants between the anterior and posterior lobes of the pituitary gland. While most are small and asymptomatic, larger cysts may compress adjacent structures causing headaches, endocrine dysfunction, and visual disturbances.

Similar cases

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.](https://app.figure1.com/case-detail/15e5bb13-705c-40cb-b211-9c0a86bb2513)

Coronal FLAIR (image 1) and axial T2-weighted (image 2) MRI show a large, open-lipped schizencephaly (arrow) accompanied by a bifrontal arachnoid cyst (arrowhead) and absence of the septum pellucidum. Schizencephaly can be differentiated from porencephalic cysts by the presence of gray matter lining the cleft. The term 'open-lipped' describes when the cleft walls are separated and filled with cerebrospinal fluid.](https://app.figure1.com/case-detail/1e456b44-34c0-4a16-b371-387cd84fa49d)

Congenital neck mass. Branchial cleft cyst?](https://app.figure1.com/case-detail/4825387e-c604-4671-8833-29da37513737)

Sagittal T1 weighted MRI shows a hyperintense mass (arrow) extending between the sella and suprasellar region. The differential diagnosis for this lesion includes craniopharyngioma, Rathke's cleft cyst, and arachnoid cyst. Craniopharyngioma is the most common pituitary mass and child. They most commonly occur between five and 10 years of age. #FridayQuizDay #FridayQuiz](https://app.figure1.com/case-detail/6ff4e47b-01ee-4e39-a429-c682fe2a7a99)