Rathke cleft cyst presenting with hyponatremia: an unusual presentation

Neurosurg Focus. 2011 Jul;31(1):E4. doi: 10.3171/2011.4.FOCUS1180.

Abstract

The authors report a case of Rathke cleft cyst presenting with severe hyponatremia. A 33-year-old man suffered sudden severe headaches, visual changes, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and a metallic taste in his mouth. Initial laboratory values demonstrated severe hyponatremia. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a cystic lesion with questionable intracystic hemorrhage, concerning for pituitary apoplexy. Transsphenoidal decompression and drainage of the cyst confirmed the diagnosis of Rathke cleft cyst and resolved the symptoms. Postoperative follow-up studies at 6 months demonstrated normal endocrine function and no evidence of a cyst.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Central Nervous System Cysts / complications
  • Central Nervous System Cysts / diagnosis*
  • Central Nervous System Cysts / surgery
  • Decompression, Surgical
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Hyponatremia / complications*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Pituitary Apoplexy / complications