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[MRI of the pituitary adenomas with reference to the hormonal activity]
S Masunaga1, R Asato, H Kikuchi
1Department of Neurosurgery, Kyoto University School of Medicine, Japan.
Abstract:
Many studies in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of pituitary adenomas are already performed. However, few reports exist about MRI findings of pituitary adenomas with reference to the hormonal activity, therefore, we evaluated this problem on the viewpoint of the signal intensity in MRI and pathological features. Fifteen patients with growth hormone producing adenoma (GH-group), 6 patients with prolactin producing adenoma (PRL-group), 15 patients with endocrinologically non-functioning adenoma (Null-group) and 9 cases with normal pituitary gland (normal control group) were examined. Signal intensity values in adenoma (or anterior lobe in normal control group) and in pons as standard value were measured in each cases, then their rates were calculated as signal intensity ratio (SIR). In 24 cases (14 in GH-group, 3 in PRL-group, 7 in Null-group), cellular density were examined with surgically resected specimens. In the T1-weighted images (T1 WIs), PRL-group and Null-group presented more hypointense tendency than normal control group. In the T2-weighted images (T2 WIs), only Null-group presented more hyperintense tendency than other groups. But significant correlation was not observed between SIR and cellular density.
Insights
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) signal intensity ratios in pituitary adenomas vary by hormonal activity. This study found differences in T1-weighted and T2-weighted images, but no correlation with cellular density.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Endocrinology
- Pathology
Background:
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is crucial for pituitary adenoma assessment.
- Limited research correlates MRI findings with hormonal activity in pituitary adenomas.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the relationship between MRI signal intensity and hormonal activity in pituitary adenomas.
- To investigate pathological features alongside MRI findings.
Main Methods:
- Compared MRI signal intensity ratios (SIR) in T1-weighted and T2-weighted images.
- Included patients with growth hormone-producing (GH), prolactin-producing (PRL), and non-functioning (Null) pituitary adenomas, plus a normal control group.
- Examined cellular density in surgically resected specimens.
Main Results:
- Prolactin-producing and non-functioning adenomas showed a hypointense tendency on T1-weighted images compared to controls.
- Non-functioning adenomas were hyperintense on T2-weighted images compared to other groups.
- No significant correlation was found between SIR and cellular density.
Conclusions:
- MRI signal intensity characteristics differ among pituitary adenoma subtypes based on hormonal activity.
- Further research may elucidate specific MRI patterns for pituitary adenoma classification.