spontaneously regressing infundibular cyst: a case report

Abstract

A 74-year-old man reported headaches and blurring of vision for 1 month. MRI showed a nonenhancing infundibular cyst. Neurologic findings, blood and cerebrospinal fluid examinations, and chest and abdominal CT were all normal. MRI 4 months later showed no change. The patient was without any medication other than simple analgesics. One year later, the stalk had returned to its normal size and configuration on MRI

Case Details

Disease Location

Infundibulum

Personal Characteristics

74 -year-old male, reported headaches and blurring of vision for 1 month neurologic findings, blood & csf exams, chest and abdominal cts were all normal

Clinical Characteristics

MRI found a nonenhancing infundibular cyst--an asmpatientomatic rathke's cleft cyst oval pituitary stalk was enlarged at 9 mm in width. The stalk was isointense on t1, and low-signal on t2. No corresponance to any stage of hemorrhage. Small anterosuperior part of the stalk showed linear contrast enhancement, suggesting a origin from the posterior part of the infundibulum. Entire length of the stalk was visible with thickening, no compression on the optic pathways or pituitary gland, no calcification seen in CT scans csf, plasma, urinary osmolarities before & after water deprivation, pituitary hormones profile (growth hormones, prl, lh, fsh, thyearsotropin, corightisol, and free t4 were all normal with no imbalances. Thoracic & abdominal CT showed no pathology

Remission Characteristics

4 months follow-up showed no change, but one year later, MRI showed the stalk returned to normal size and configuration

Treatment & Mechanisms

Proposed Remission Mechanisms

Rupture of the cyst due to excessive pressure within due to mucinous fluid screwed by goblet cells

Clinical Treatment

Patient was taking simple analgesics

Non-Clinical Treatment

None reported