Rathke Cleft Cyst

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Note large cystic intrasellar lesion. Enhancing expanded pituitary gland tissue surrounds the cyst. This is called "claw sign" - seen near the pituitary infundibulum. Note that the wall of the cystic lesion is smooth. There are no signs of calcifications. Fluid inside the cyst is homogeneous. Differential diagnosis to Rathke Clef Cyst are: Cystic Adenoma and Craniopharyngioma.

See interesting article concerning differential diagnosis:
S.H Choi - Pituitary adenoma, craniopharyngioma, and Rathke cleft cyst involving both intrasellar and suprasellar regions: differentiation using MRI

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