A Case of Rathke Cleft Cyst Apoplexy.

Kim, Ealmaan

Original Article

Keimyung Medical Journal 2014;33(2):159-163.
Published online December 31, 2014.

A Case of Rathke Cleft Cyst Apoplexy.

Ealmaan Kim

Department of Neurosurgery, Keimyung University School of Medicine, Daegu, Korea. bach1158@dsmc.or.kr

Abstract

Rathke cleft cysts (RCCs) are benign epithelial lesions of the sellar and suprasellar region. Most RCCs remain clinically silent throughout an individual's life. Symptomatic patients with RCCs manifest headaches, endocrinopathies, and visual disturbances secondary to parasellar extension. Rarely, RCCs can present in a manner similar to pituitary tumor apoplexy. One such case is reported herein. This 53-year-old man presented with acute headache, vomiting, and partial hypopituitarism. Surgical drainage of the cyst contents via a transnasal route confirmed the diagnosis of RCC and pituitary infarction.

Key Words: Headache, Hypopituitarism, Pituitary apoplexy, Rathke cleft cyst