2Marmara Üniversitesi, Tıp Fakültesi, Nörolojik Bilimler Enstitüsü, Patoloji Bölümü, Maltepe, İstanbul OBJECTIVE: To compare the preoperative and postoperative hormonal and visual features of Rathke cleft cysts and to assess the treatment alternatives.
METHODS: A retrospective study of 9 cases of Rathke cleft cysts, diagnosed among 199 sellar-suprasellar masses which were operated between 1998 and 2005 at our clinic were analyzed.
RESULTS: The incidence of endocrine disturbances was 44%, headaches 33% and visual impairment 22% in our cases. Adecrease in visual activity was found in 44% and field deficits were found in 44%. Biochemically, 77% of the patients showed hormonal disturbances. The mass was sellar-suprasellar in 66% and intrasellar in 33% of the patients. All the cases were operated on transsphenoidally. Postoperative recovery was 50% for visual activity and 44% for field deficits. A postoperative improvement was observed in hormonal levels in 71% of the patients. There was no recurrence in our cases.
CONCLUSION: Transsphenoidal cyst drainage is a sufficient treatment in Rathke cleft cyst. Avoidance of radical surgical operations will help minimize the rate of postoperative endocrine and neurological deficits.
Anahtar Kelimeler : Postoperative, Preoperative, Rathke cleft cyst, Transsphenoidal surgery