[Magnetic resonance image of pituitary adenoma--comparison of functioning tumor and non-functioning tumor]

Thirty three cases of pituitary adenoma were examined by MRI with 0.15 T system. Eight cases of functioning tumor showed iso-minimally low intensity, and 10 cases of non-functioning tumor did slightly-markedly low intensity on IR image. Functioning tumor cells contain well-developed rough-surfaced endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi complexes and numerous secretary granule, so that bound water more increases and T 1 relaxation time less prolongs in functioning tumor than in non-functioning tumor. Two cases of functioning tumor disclosed slightly low intensity on IR image because of its poor stroma. It is necessary to know the exact bleeding time so as to measure the signal intensity in pituitary apoplexy case. Microadenoma appeared spotty hypointensity and upward convexity of superior surface of the gland on IR image.