[Diagnostic native roentgenology of operated pituitary adenomas (author's transl)]

Cases showing the value and limitations of diagnostic native roentgenology in recurrent pituitary adenomas were selected from a total of 217 patients. Recurrence is recognized by progressive intrasellar space occupation. Bone apposition at the contours of the sella turcica resulting in reduction of volume and calcifications of the sellar region permit exclusion of intrasellar recurrence. Marking the area of operation improves native roentgenology. Bone apposition of acromegaly may obscure recurrences. According to the literature, about 50% of recurrences can be diagnosed roentgenologically. On the contrary recurrences can be excluded in 10-20% of roentgenologically successfully operated patients.