Recent advances in neuroendocrine imaging

Imaging is a critical component of both neuroendocrine lesion identification and anatomic delineation for treatment planning. Cross-sectional and isotopic-based physiologic imaging techniques have, to date, been the radiological modalities of choice. This review focuses on recent advances in imaging that are related to the evaluation of neuroendocrine abnormalities, in particular advances in MRI.

Magnetic-resonance perfusion examination of tissue characteristics in the pituitary, adrenal and thyroid glands indicates that, in many cases, adenomas of these glands have distinguishable hemodynamic characteristics relative to the parenchyma of the gland as a whole and to other lesions. Moreover, perfusion metrics might provide a basis for evaluating response to therapy (in the pituitary) and delineation of lesions in the adrenal and thyroid glands. Anisotropy-based imaging techniques show promise in providing direct, relevant information about pituitary tumor involvement of the adjacent cavernous sinuses.

The most recent methodological advances in the imaging of neuroendocrine disorder involves the continued development and application of MRI, in particular using pulse sequences, which provide a greater insight into the internal structure and physiology of the tissues interrogated, relative to standard sequences.