L U F Truong1, C Bazin2, P Gomis3, B Decoudier4, B Delemer4, C F Litré5. 1. Department of neurosurgery of the CHU of Reims, hôpital Maison Blanche, 45, rue Cognacq-Jay, 51100 Reims, France. Electronic address: luftruong@chu-reims.fr. 2. University of Reims Champagne Ardennes, 51, rue Cognacq-Jay, 51100 Reims, France. 3. Department of anesthesia of the CHU of Reims, hôpital Maison Blanche, 45, rue Cognacq-Jay, 51100 Reims, France. 4. Department of endocrinology of the CHU of Reims, hôpital Robert-Debré, rue du Général Koenig, 51100 Reims, France. 5. Department of neurosurgery of the CHU of Reims, hôpital Maison Blanche, 45, rue Cognacq-Jay, 51100 Reims, France.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Rathke's cleft cysts are benign cystic lesions of the sellar region, which may cause headache, pituitary deficiencies and visual disturbances from mass effect. Their management is not standardized yet. This study is about establishing a consensus for medical care of RCC. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective observational study of all patients that were diagnosed or followed for RCC between 2008 and 2018 (11 years), in the neurosurgical and the adult endocrine departments of our institution. The study's average time length of follow-up is 72.9 months (from 2 to 385 months). RESULTS: The 57 included patients were divided into 2 groups: group A, which included 39 patients that were conservatively managed and group B, which included 18 surgically treated patients. Group A showed either an improvement or a spontaneous resolution of headaches in 56.1% of the cases (P<0.01); a resolution of hyperprolactinemia in 70% of the cases (P=0.21); and of hypogonadism, ACTH deficiency, growth hormone deficiency in 100% of the cases. There was no spontaneous improvement of visual disturbances (P<0.01) or diabetes insipidus (P=0.29) during follow-up. Regarding group B, surgery allowed improvement or complete resolution of headaches in 60% of the cases; visual troubles in 100% of the cases (P<0.01); and hyperprolactinemia in 100% of the cases. Pituitary deficiencies were not improved by surgery. CONCLUSIONS: This study offers guidance in decision-making regarding the management of RCC patients. Surgery is particularly suitable for treating visual disturbances caused by RCC. Regular follow-up is more appropriate than surgery concerning headaches, hyperprolactinemia, endocrine disruptions and diabetes insipidus.
BACKGROUND:Rathke's cleft cysts are benign cystic lesions of the sellar region, which may cause headache, pituitary deficiencies and visual disturbances from mass effect. Their management is not standardized yet. This study is about establishing a consensus for medical care of RCC. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective observational study of all patients that were diagnosed or followed for RCC between 2008 and 2018 (11 years), in the neurosurgical and the adult endocrine departments of our institution. The study's average time length of follow-up is 72.9 months (from 2 to 385 months). RESULTS: The 57 included patients were divided into 2 groups: group A, which included 39 patients that were conservatively managed and group B, which included 18 surgically treated patients. Group A showed either an improvement or a spontaneous resolution of headaches in 56.1% of the cases (P<0.01); a resolution of hyperprolactinemia in 70% of the cases (P=0.21); and of hypogonadism, ACTHdeficiency, growth hormone deficiency in 100% of the cases. There was no spontaneous improvement of visual disturbances (P<0.01) or diabetes insipidus (P=0.29) during follow-up. Regarding group B, surgery allowed improvement or complete resolution of headaches in 60% of the cases; visual troubles in 100% of the cases (P<0.01); and hyperprolactinemia in 100% of the cases. Pituitary deficiencies were not improved by surgery. CONCLUSIONS: This study offers guidance in decision-making regarding the management of RCCpatients. Surgery is particularly suitable for treating visual disturbances caused by RCC. Regular follow-up is more appropriate than surgery concerning headaches, hyperprolactinemia, endocrine disruptions and diabetes insipidus.