Rathke Cleft Cysts or PitNET?

Most Rathke cleft cysts (RCCs) originate intrasellarly and may extend into the suprasellar region; pure suprasellar RCCs are rare. When extended into the optochiasmatic cistern, an RCC can mimic a pituitary adenoma, particularly if the latter presents a hemorrhage. We will discuss here the fundamental differences between both. Complicated RCCs and cysts of the pituitary stalk will be discussed and illustrated separately (see Chaps. 25 and 27 ).