Tornwaldt's bursa.

Tornwaldt's bursa results from the embryological relationship of the notochord to the developing foregut. Its embryology and anatomical location is separate from Rathke's pouch which is the primordial anterior hypophysis. Trauma and subsequent inflammation of the defect leads to a complex of symptoms known as 'Tornwaldt's disease' which may be quite confusing to the clinician. Appropriate therapy which includes excision or marsupialization of the cyst will provide complete relief of the symptoms. The embryology, anatomy and therapy of this entity are discussed in detail. Other abnormalities which may mimic Tornwaldt's disease are described along with an embryological and histological differentiation.