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Lymphocytic adenohypophysitis: skull radiographs and MRI
S Saiwai1, Y Inoue, T Ishihara
1Department of Radiology, Kobe Central Municipal Hospital, Hyogo, Japan.
Neuroradiology
|May 23, 1998
Summary
Lymphocytic adenohypophysitis, often seen during pregnancy, can mimic pituitary adenomas on CT scans. MRI offers distinctive imaging features to differentiate this condition from typical pituitary adenomas.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Endocrinology
- Neuroimaging
Background:
- Lymphocytic adenohypophysitis is an inflammatory condition affecting the pituitary gland.
- It can present clinically and radiologically mimicking pituitary adenomas, particularly during pregnancy.
Observation:
- Three cases of lymphocytic adenohypophysitis associated with pregnancy were evaluated.
- Imaging modalities included skull radiography, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Findings:
- CT scans showed pituitary masses but could not distinguish adenohypophysitis from adenoma.
- Skull radiographs revealed normal or minimally abnormal sella turcica, lacking signs of ballooning or destruction.
- MRI demonstrated characteristic findings: low T1-weighted signal, preserved posterior pituitary bright spot, marked contrast enhancement, and adjacent dural enhancement.
Implications:
- Distinctive MRI features can help differentiate lymphocytic adenohypophysitis from pituitary adenomas.
- Accurate diagnosis is crucial for appropriate management, especially in pregnant patients.
- This highlights the importance of advanced neuroimaging in evaluating pituitary masses.