MR imaging and management of Rathke's cleft cysts

In 46 patients with Rathke's cleft cyst (RCC), the presence of headache, and anterior and posterior pituitary dysfunction was unrelated to the cyst size but was more frequent in cysts with T1 high- and isointensity than cysts with T1 low intensity. RCC of iso- and high intensities had mucous material and, in some cases, associated surrounding inflammation that caused irreversible pituitary dysfunction. In asymptomatic patients with RCC, close observation with precise endocrinological evaluation and enhanced MRI is necessary to avoid occult progression of the inflammation. (author)