Surgical treatment of an abscess in a Rathke's cleft cyst

Secondary hypophysitis associated with Rathke's cleft cyst resembling a pituitary abscess

Background

Although rare, cases of hypophysitis resembling a pituitary abscess (PA) have been reported. Differential diagnosis between hypophysitis and PA is crucial as the two diseases require different treatments.

Case Description

A 38-year-old woman with headaches underwent head magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which revealed an 11-mm mass lesion in the sella turcica. Due to breastfeeding, contrast-enhanced MRI was avoided. Pituitary adenomas and Rathke's cleft cyst (RCC) were suspected, and she was initially treated conservatively. Five months later, she acquired syndrome coronavirus two infections, and while the fever subsided with acetaminophen, the headache persisted. One month later, the headache worsened, followed by fever and diabetes insipidus. MRI revealed a pituitary cystic mass with ring-shaped contrast enhancement on T1-weighted MRI and increased signal intensity on diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI). PA was suspected, and emergency endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery was performed. The microbiological examination of the yellowish-brown content drained from the cystic mass was negative. Microscopically, the cystic lesion was covered with ciliated columnar epithelium and stratified squamous epithelium, with a dense inflammatory cell infiltrate consisting mainly of lymphocytes and plasma cells observed around the cyst. This supported the diagnosis of secondary hypophysitis associated with RCC without PA.

Conclusion

We report a case of hypophysitis secondary to RCC resembling PA with ring-shaped contrast enhancement on MRI and increased signal intensity on DWI. This case emphasizes the need for cautious diagnosis of secondary hypophysitis due to RCC in individuals with MRIs and clinical manifestations resembling an abscess.

Pituitary abscess: a case report and systematic review of 488 cases

BACKGROUND

Pituitary abscess (PA) is a rare condition and not well understood. We aimed to describe a case and perform a comprehensive systematic review to explore presenting symptoms, radiological findings, endocrine abnormalities and mortality.

AIM

To identify presenting symptoms, radiological findings, endocrinological abnormalities and predictors of mortality for PA.

METHODS

We systematically reviewed the literature to identify all case reports of PA. Data regarding presentation, mortality, radiological findings, endocrinological abnormalities and treatment was extracted.

RESULTS

We identified 488 patients from 218 articles meeting the inclusion criteria. Mortality was 5.1%, with days to presentation (OR 1.0005, 95% CI 1.0001-1.0008, p < 0.01) being the only identified independent predictor of mortality. Mortality rates have decreased over time, with cases published prior to 2000 having higher mortality rates (OR 6.92, 95% CI 2.80-17.90, p < 0.001). The most common symptom was headache (76.2%), followed by visual field defects (47.3%). Classical signs of infection were only present in 43%. The most common imaging feature on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was high T2 and low T1 signal of the pituitary gland with peripheral contrast enhancement. Over half (54.8%) were culture negative, with the most common bacterial organism being staphylococcus aureus (7.8%) and fungal organism being aspergillus (8.8%). The most common endocrine abnormality was hypopituitarism (41.1%), followed by diabetes insipidus (24.8%). Whilst symptoms resolved in most patients, persistent endocrine abnormalities were present in over half of patients (61.0%).

CONCLUSION

PA is associated with significant mortality, with delayed presentation increasing risk of mortality. Ongoing endocrinological abnormalities are common. Given the non-specific clinical presentation, the appearance of high T2, low T1 and peripheral contrast enhancement of the pituitary on MRI should prompt consideration of this rare disease.

Rathke's Cleft Cyst Abscess with a Very Unusual Course

Infected Rathke's cleft cysts (RCC) are extremely rare with only a few published cases. We report the case of a 31-year-old man who presented with headaches, visual disturbance, and hypopituitarism secondary to an infected RCC with extension of abscesses along the optic tract. Magnetic resonance imaging showed ring enhancing cystic lesions within an expanded sella with suprasellar and intraparenchymal extension. The radiological appearance suggested a high-grade optic glioma, but an endoscopic transsphenoidal biopsy revealed frank pus in the pituitary fossa, which subsequently grew Staphylococcus aureus . Pathological examination of the cyst wall showed an inflamed RCC. Following a prolonged course of intravenous antibiotics, the infection resolved and vision improved. RCC abscesses are rare and the intracranial extension of the infection in our case makes it unique.

Rathke's cleft cyst infections and pituitary abscesses: case series and review of the literature

PURPOSE

Pituitary abscesses (PAs) are a rare clinical entity which may arise from normal pituitary tissue or underlying lesions within the gland. Rathke's cleft cysts (RCCs) are not commonly associated with the development of PA.

METHODS

Retrospective chart review of three patients with PAs within RCCs at a single university center and review of the literature.

RESULTS

Three cases are reported. The first case presented with fever and headache and a history of prior surgery due to RCC and a recent respiratory tract infection. The second case had a history of recent skin infections and presented with sudden onset headache and hypopituitarism. In the third case, chronic visual field impairment prompted an ophthalmologic evaluation resulting in a diagnosis of an adenoma and an infected RCC. In all three cases, an endoscopic endonasal approach was performed to drain infected tissue and allowed microbiological identification of gram-positive cocci, followed by treatment with antibiotics for at least three weeks. Cases in the literature are scarce and the diagnosis is usually made intraoperatively due to non-specific manifestations and imaging. PAs arising from underlying pituitary lesions are less common than primary PAs. Differential diagnosis should include pituitary apoplexy, hypophysitis and other cystic lesions.

CONCLUSION

PAs occurring in RCCs are infrequent. Clinical manifestations are commonly subacute, without septic symptoms. Imaging is usually non-specific. Preoperative diagnosis is infrequent and a broad differential diagnosis should be considered. Empirical antimicrobial therapy should be initiated and adjusted after obtaining cultures to reduce the rate of recurrence and improve clinical outcomes.

Primary pituitary abscess followed by empty sella syndrome in an adolescent girl

Primary pituitary abscess is a rare pituitary pathology, particularly at a young age and is characterized by atypical clinical features making the diagnosis difficult. Correct diagnosis and therapy are mandatory due to the potentially lethal outcome of pituitary infection. We report the case of an adolescent girl presenting with headache, diabetes insipidus and central thyro-gonadic insufficiency with no history of infection, in whom the intra-operative diagnosis of primary pituitary abscess was made. Bacterial cultures indicated infection with Streptococcus spp. One year after neurosurgery and antibiotic therapy, recovery of diabetes insipidus and pituitary insufficiency was documented except for persistence of subnormal growth hormone secretion. Post-surgery, pituitary magnetic resonance imaging revealed an empty sella syndrome.

Clinicopathological characteristics in patients presenting with acute onset of symptoms caused by Rathke's cleft cysts

BACKGROUND

Symptomatic Rathke's cleft cyst is usually accompanied by a long history of headache, visual disturbance, and hypopituitarism; however, rare cases present with acute onset and the clinical features in such cases remain uncertain. We report herein the clinical features of Rathke's cleft cyst with acute onset and discuss the clinical significance.

METHOD

In this study, we defined acute onset as the clinical course with clinical symptoms within a 7-day history. From among 35 cases of symptomatic Rathke's cleft cyst that were pathologically diagnosed at Fukuoka University Hospital between 1990 and 2009, five cases presented with acute onset. The symptoms, endocrinological findings, MR image findings, and pathological findings of these cases were analyzed retrospectively.

FINDINGS

Mean age was 56.8 years. Initial symptoms included headache (n = 3), general malaise (n = 2), polyuria (n = 2), and fever (n = 1). MR imaging revealed an intrasellar cystic lesion with suprasellar extension in all cases and showed rim enhancement in three cases. All cases were treated by transsphenoidal surgery. Pathological findings included hemorrhage (n = 2), hypophysitis (n = 2), and abscess formation in the cyst (n = 1). Postoperatively, all symptoms, except for hypopituitarism, improved in all cases.

CONCLUSIONS

Rathke's cleft cysts sometimes present with acute onset, and the presentation is consistent with the features of pituitary apoplexy caused by pituitary adenoma. Although pituitary apoplexy due to hemorrhage, inflammation, or infection due to an underlying Rathke's cleft cyst is difficult to diagnose pre-operatively, Rathke's cleft cyst should be included in the differential diagnosis, and early surgical treatment is needed, as for pituitary apoplexy caused by pituitary adenoma.

Infected Rathke Cleft Cysts

BACKGROUND

Rathke cleft cysts (RCCs) are benign sellar lesions that are generally asymptomatic but sometimes warrant transsphenoidal drainage. Small case reports have described infected RCCs, but this phenomenon remains uncharacterized.

OBJECTIVE

We reviewed RCCs over 23 years at our institution to determine factors predicting infection and recurrence.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the magnetic resonance images, laboratory results, microbiology, and pathology of 176 RCC patients (1985–2008) who underwent initial operation at our institution (n = 170) or at another institution followed by recurrence managed at our institution (n = 6).

RESULTS

There were 3 RCC categories: cysts cultured intraoperatively during initial surgery (n = 21), cysts not cultured during initial surgery but cultured during subsequent surgery (n = 9), and cysts that were never cultured (n = 146). Cultured cysts were larger (1.6 vs 1.2 cm; P = .002) and had more frequent pituitary dysfunction (76% vs 30%; P &lt; .001) than noncultured cysts. Restricted diffusion was also more common in cultured cysts (50% vs 0%; P = .02). Of cysts cultured at initial or subsequent surgery, 48% and 44%, respectively, had positive cultures (n = 14) and were treated with antibiotics. The most common organisms were Staphylococcus epidermidis (64%) and Propionibacterium acnes (57%). Kaplan-Meier recurrence rates were 13% (culture positive/antibiotic treated), 31% (culture negative/not antibiotic treated), and 9% (noncultured) (P = .002, cultured vs noncultured; P = .002, culture negative/not antibiotic treated vs non-cultured; P = .5 culture positive/antibiotic treated vs noncultured).

CONCLUSION

Suspected RCC infection, regardless of culture results, is a strong predictor of recurrence and may warrant antibiotic treatment. With antibiotic treatment, the recurrence rate of infected RCC approaches that of noninfected cysts. The higher recurrence rates reported in other series may reflect underrecognition of occult infection.

Diagnosis and management of pituitary abscess: a review of twenty-four cases

OBJECT

Pituitary abscess is a rare but serious intrasellar infection. To better determine the salient signs and symptoms that help in making the diagnosis, and to determine the most appropriate treatment, the authors reviewed their experience in a series of 24 patients treated at the University of California at San Francisco.

METHODS

Nine of the patients were female and 15 were male, and their mean age was 41.2 years (range 12-71 years). Surprisingly, most patients in our series presented with complaints and physical findings consistent with a pituitary mass, but rarely with evidence of a serious infection. Headache, endocrine abnormalities, and visual changes were the most common clinical indicators; fever, peripheral leukocytosis, and meningismus were present in 33% or fewer of the patients. Imaging tests demonstrated a pituitary mass in all patients, but the features evident on computerized tomography and magnetic resonance studies did not distinguish pituitary abscesses from other, more common intrasellar lesions. Because of the ambiguous clinical features and imaging findings, most abscesses were not diagnosed before treatment; rather, the diagnosis was made during surgical exploration of the sella turcica, when the surgeon encountered a cystic mass containing pus. There were only two deaths in this series (8.3%). Patients presenting with headache and visual changes noted improvement in almost all cases; patients with endocrine dysfunction generally did not recover normal pituitary function, but were easily treated with hormone replacement therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

Antibiotic therapy is suggested for patients who have symptoms of sepsis, or for patients in whom specific organisms are identified from cultures obtained during surgery. The transsphenoidal approach is recommended over open craniotomy for surgical drainage.

Pituitary abscess presenting with cranial nerve paresis. Case report and review of literature

Non-adenomatosus lesions of the pituitary represent a small part of the intrasellar processes and they have heterogeneous presentation. Making a precise diagnosis is of great importance, as it may lead to more efficient management. A 65-year-old man was admitted to the hospital because of headache and right cranial nerve III palsy. Basic laboratory work-up was normal whereas endocrinological assessment revealed hypopituitarism without diabetes insipidus. Plain radiography showed an enlarged sella and frontal and paranasal sinusitis. Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the sella revealed an intrasellar lesion with extension to the sphenoid and cavernous sinuses as well as the suprasellar region, exerting pressure on the optic chiasm. On T1-weighted images the mass had a low-intensity signal with a smooth enhancing rim with bright signal. Given the presence of multiple sinusitis and imaging characteristics a pre-operative diagnosis of pituitary abscess was made. The patient was operated via transphenoidal route and purulent material was drained out. Cultures of the material were positive for Staphylococcus aureus. Antibiotics as well as cortisol replacement therapy were given. Three months later hypopituitarism persisted but there was significant improvement in the neurological findings. We report a case of an unusual presentation of a pituitary abscess. High index of suspicion, the presence of associated conditions such as pituitary tumors, meningitis or sinusitis, as well as diabetes insipidus and specific imaging features are the main diagnostic clues. Pre-operative diagnosis, which will lead to prompt antibiotic therapy and transphenoidal drainage, can decrease high mortality and morbidity associated with this disease.

Clinical, radiological and pathological features of patients with Rathke's cleft cysts: tumors that may recur

Rathke's cleft cysts are cystic sellar and suprasellar lesions, characteristically lined by a single layer of ciliated cuboidal or columnar epithelium. In contrast, craniopharyngiomass, which are also cystic sellar and suprasellar lesions, are characteristically lined by stratified squamous epithelium with keratinization on a layer of connective tissue. The usual management recommended for Rathke's cleft cysts is simple surgical drainage with partial excision of the cyst wall. Recurrences of these cysts reportedly have been very rare. This retrospective study presents the details of 12 patients (6 females; median age 30 yr, range 21-58 yr) with Rathke's cleft cyst, referred to our department over a 15-yr period (1981-1996), an unusual feature being the recurrence of 4 (33%) of these lesions. Clinical, endocrine, radiological, surgical (10 transsphenoidal; 2 transcranial), and pathological details were recorded. Nine out of 12 patients (75%) were symptomatic; visual symptoms were the commonest, and 8 had visual field defects. The median duration of symptoms was 12 months (range 3-24 months). Three patients (25%) had panhypopituitarism, 2 of whom also had diabetes insipidus (17%). The cysts varied in size from 6 mm to 50 mm, 1 being entirely suprasellar. There were no pathognomonic clinical or radiological features to differentiate them from other pituitary lesions, although the presence of diabetes insipidus in 2 patients suggested that the lesion was not a pituitary adenoma. A definite histological diagnosis was possible in 8 patients; in 4, the diagnosis was presumptive. The median duration of follow-up was 30 months (1-168 months). Four patients (33%) showed reexpansion at 3, 6, 48, and 48 months after initial surgery, 3 of whom were symptomatic and required repeat surgery. Two of these patients were given postoperative external beam pituitary radiotherapy. Apparent recurrence of Rathke's cleft cysts after initially successful surgery in our series was higher than suggested by previous reports, and thus, long-term follow-up with pituitary imaging and neuroophthalmological assessment is essential. There are no specific characteristics of the cyst that predict recurrence. Ideal management of these cysts is unclear, but aspiration, followed by extensive excision of the cyst wall when possible, seems to be the best initial option. For recurrent symptomatic tumors, surgical resection is the treatment of choice. Considering the high recurrence rate with residual structural and functional dysfunction, the role of radiotherapy in preventing recurrence of these cysts needs careful evaluation with a larger study with a longer follow-up period.

Hypophysitis in surgical and autoptical specimens

We present the clinical and histological findings of 11 cases of inflammatory anterior pituitary lesions, 8 of which were obtained during surgery and 3 of which were obtained from autopsies. Additionally, we extended the conventional classification of pituitary inflammatory disease by the new entity " secondary hypophysitis". Of the surgically obtained specimens 5 consisted of inflammatory extension into the pituitary gland out of the surrounding tissue. In all of these patients the inflammation originated from an additional tumor in the sellar region (4 craniopharyngiomas, 1 prolactinoma). These will be referred to as "secondary hypophysitis", an entity which has not yet been mentioned in the literature. Of the remaining 6 cases, 2 were granulomatous hypophysitis, 2 pituitary abscesses, 1 lymphocytic hypophysitis, and 1 showed extensive scarring of the anterior pituitary lobe due to preceeding lymphocytic hypophysitis. At histological examination the basic structure of the anterior pituitary was maintained in all cases. Relative counts of hormone-producing cells were normal. In secondary hypophysitis, the affected area was composed of fibrous tissue and granulation tissue. B and T lymphocytes were present in equal amounts. Granulomas were not found. Inflammatory infiltrates, granulation tissue and fibroses were seen in different proportions. Based on our results and three other cases reported in the literature so far, we think that the presently used classification of pituitary inflammatory diseases lacks an entity which describes a non-abscess-forming inflammation of the pituitary gland originating from an associated pathological process. Therefore, we introduced the term secondary hypophysitis to describe this fourth entity of pituitary inflammatory disease.

Recurrence of symptomatic Rathke's cleft cyst: a case report

A 65-year-old man presented with bitemporal hemianopsia. He had undergone frontal craniotomy for a Rathke's cleft cyst associated with narrowed visual field 8 years earlier. His vision had returned to normal soon after surgery and he remained asymptomatic until the present complaint. Neurodiagnostic imaging revealed a recurrence of the intrasellar cyst extending into the suprasellar cistern. His vision improved rapidly after a second surgery. The histological findings were the same as those of the previous operation; the cyst wall was composed of a single layer of ciliated columnar epithelium resting on a collagenous connective tissue stroma.

Clinical, radiographic, and pathological features of symptomatic Rathke's cleft cysts

The clinical, radiographic, and pathological findings in 155 patients with symptomatic Rathke's cleft cysts are discussed. Eight patients were treated by the authors and 147 were collected in a review of the literature. This lesion occurred more often in female than male patients by a 2:1 margin, and the mean age at presentation was 38 years. The average patient had been symptomatic for nearly 3 years at the time of treatment, with the most common symptoms and signs being pituitary dysfunction, visual disturbances, and headaches. Affected children generally were pituitary dwarfs. The sella was enlarged in 80% of cases, and the cyst was situated in both an intrasellar and a suprasellar location in 71%. Computerized tomography revealed a low-density cystic mass with capsular enhancement in one-half of the cases. A variable appearance was seen with magnetic resonance imaging. Partial excision and drainage of the cyst by the transsphenoidal approach is the recommended treatment, as the recurrence rate is low. Most symptoms and signs improved or resolved following surgery with the exception of hypopituitarism and diabetes insipidus. The cyst lining was usually composed of ciliated cuboidal or columnar epithelium. Theories as to the origin of Rathke's cleft cysts are also discussed.