Rathke-Cleft Cysts

Abstract

Rathke-cleft cysts are rare. For this reason alone, examples of this condition require recording. In addition, they are significant for the light which they may throw upon other tumors arising in the pituitary region, notably the craniopharyngiomas. The reported incidence of residual cysts in the pars intermedia is 15% to 20% (Shanklin²⁸). Most of these are microscopic in size and have greater histological than clinical significance. Occasionally, such cysts enlarge sufficiently to be seen on sectioning the hypophysis, but still lack clinical significance. Under rare circumstances a cyst enlarges sufficiently to cause clinical symptoms. Ten such instances have been recorded. To these is added another instance of Rathke-cleft cyst with clinical symptoms, as well as a similar large cyst found incidentally at autopsy. <h3>Report of a Case</h3><h3>Case 1.</h3> —A 49-year-old white woman was admitted to Jefferson Medical College Hospital because of progressive difficulty with vision and dizziness. She