title: Transsphenoidal management of Rathke's cleft cysts. A clinicopathological review of 10 cases.
abstract: We report detailed data on 10 patients who underwent transsphenoidal microsurgical management of histopathologically confirmed Rathke's cleft cysts. Preoperatively, pituitary dysfunction was present in 90%, headaches in 80%, hyperprolactinemia in 70%, and visual interference in 40%. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging had 90% and 100% sensitivity, respectively, in disclosing the lesion. The mean follow-up duration was 22 months. There was no mortality. The only morbidity was sustained diabetes insipidus in one case. Resolution or improvement in preoperative dysfunction occurred in the majority of patients: headaches in 100%, visual deficits in 75%, normalization of hyperprolactinemia in 83%, and reversal of panhypopituitarism in 33%. We conclude that Rathke's cleft cysts can be managed safely and effectively with transsphenoidal drainage and partial excision of the wall.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery (Neurosurgery), Wellesley Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Midha
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Jay
authors.forename: H S
authors.initials: HS
authors.lastname: Smyth
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003397:Craniopharyngioma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010911:Pituitary Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D011859:Radiography; D012658:Sella Turcica; D013100:Sphenoid Bone; D013514:Surgical Procedures, Operative / Q000379:methods