Comparison of MR imaging and CT in pituitary macroadenomas.
The findings on mid-field MR imaging and CT were compared retrospectively in 65 patients with pituitary macroadenomas. The evaluation comprised tumour extension and delineation, invasiveness, relationship to adjacent structures, and internal tumoral changes. MR was superior to CT except in the demonstration of bone changes and tumour calcification. The superiority of MR was most pronounced regarding cavernous sinus invasion, tumour relationship to the carotid arteries and optic chiasm, and tumour haemorrhage. Extensive bone changes were visualized with both methods; erosions were often seen only with CT. It is concluded that MR is the preferable method for evaluation of pituitary macroadenomas. CT is useful as a supplementary modality when detailed information on bone anatomy is required, particularly if a transsphenoidal surgical approach is contemplated.
Lundin
P
P
Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Uppsala University, Akademiska Sjukhuset, Sweden.
Bergström
K
K
Thuomas
K A
KA
Lundberg
P O
PO
Muhr
C
C
D000236:Adenoma / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002339:Carotid Arteries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D002552:Cerebral Ventricles / Q000473:pathology; D014695:Cerebral Ventriculography; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009897:Optic Chiasm / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D010911:Pituitary Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012658:Sella Turcica / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed