MRI diagnosis of Rathke's cleft cyst:a report of 17 cases

Objective: To study the MR images of Rathke's cleft cyst so as to improve the diagnosis of this disease. Methods: The enhanced MR images of 17 patients with Rathke's cleft cyst were retrospectively analyzed. Results: The Rathke's cleft cyst was located in the intrasellar region in 12 cases,in both sella and superasellar regions in 4 cases and in the suprasellar region in 1 case. The lesions were ovoid (13/17) or dumbell shaped (4/17),all of which were cystic. Intracystic nodule was found in 1 case. Six of the cases presented hypointense on T1WI and hyperintense on T2WIs,8 cases isointense on T1WI and hyperintense on T2WI,2 cases isointense on T1WI and T2WI,and 3 cases hyperintense on T1WI and T2WI. Partial linear contrast enhancement on the cystic wall was seen in 3 cases,but no enhancement was found in the intracystic nodule. Conclusions: The MRI features of the Rathke's cleft cyst were as follows:most of the lesions were located in the intrasellar region or involving both intra-and suprasellar regions,manifesting iso or hyper intensity on T1WI but no enhancement after contrast injection. These will be of help to the diagnosis of Rathke's cleft cyst before surgery.