Arterial spin-labeled perfusion imaging reflects vascular density in nonfunctioning pituitary macroadenomas

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Oncology
• Endocrinology

Background:

• Angiogenesis plays a critical role in the clinical presentation of pituitary adenomas.
• Understanding tumor vascularity is crucial for managing nonfunctioning pituitary macroadenomas.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the correlation between blood flow in nonfunctioning pituitary macroadenomas, measured by arterial spin-labeled perfusion imaging, and tissue microvessel attenuation.
• To assess the potential of arterial spin-labeled perfusion imaging in predicting tumor hemorrhage.

Main Methods:

• Conventional MRI with contrast-enhanced T1WI and arterial spin-labeled perfusion imaging were performed on 11 patients.
• Quantitative analysis of tumor blood flow and relative microvessel attenuation was conducted.
• Correlation analysis between imaging findings and microvessel attenuation was performed.

Main Results:

• A significant correlation was found between normalized tumor blood flow values and relative microvessel attenuation (P < .05).
• Contrast enhancement degree did not correlate with microvessel attenuation.
• Hypervascular tumors identified intraoperatively showed significantly different normalized tumor blood flow values compared to hypovascular tumors (P < .05).

Conclusions:

• Arterial spin-labeled perfusion imaging effectively reflects the vascular density of nonfunctioning pituitary macroadenomas.
• This imaging technique shows promise for preoperative prediction of intraoperative and postoperative tumor hemorrhage.