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Pituitary microadenoma. MR appearance and correlation with CT
1China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, P.R. China.
Acta Radiologica (Stockholm, Sweden : 1987)
|September 1, 1995
Summary
Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging both detect pituitary microadenomas. CT showed higher sensitivity in identifying sellar-floor erosion, making it a suggested first-line diagnostic method.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Endocrinology
- Neurosurgery
Background:
- Pituitary microadenomas are small tumors of the pituitary gland.
- Accurate imaging is crucial for diagnosis and surgical planning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the efficacy of MR imaging and CT in detecting surgically proven pituitary microadenomas.
- To evaluate ancillary imaging findings that support the diagnosis of microadenomas.
Main Methods:
- Twenty surgically confirmed pituitary microadenomas were retrospectively analyzed using MR imaging and CT.
- Tumor characteristics, including signal intensity (MR) and attenuation (CT), were assessed before and after contrast administration (Gd-DTPA for MR, Iohexol for CT).
- Ancillary findings such as gland enlargement, diaphragma sellae convexity, infundibular tilting, and sellar-floor erosion were evaluated.
Main Results:
- MR imaging detected all 20 microadenomas, with 90% appearing hypointense on precontrast T1-weighted images.
- CT detected 19 of 20 microadenomas, with 85% showing low attenuation precontrast.
- CT demonstrated greater sensitivity than MR in identifying sellar-floor erosion; both modalities showed agreement on size, location, and other findings.
Conclusions:
- Both MR imaging and CT are effective in diagnosing pituitary microadenomas.
- Focal gland enlargement and diaphragma sellae convexity are valuable ancillary findings.
- CT is suggested as the initial imaging modality due to its higher sensitivity for sellar-floor erosion.