Imaging of pituitary tumours

In the neuroradiological study of pituitary tumours, second generation CT, dynamic CT and MRI provide information about the extent of the tumour and its anatomical relations with the surrounding tissues. Sometimes these techniques can distinguish primary anterior pituitary lesions from primary parasellar lesions with presentations in the sellar region. In general, contrast-enhanced MRI and dynamic CT are more sensitive than conventional CT for the diagnosis of pituitary microadenomas, as well as for the precise delineation of the parasellar invasion of macroadenomas. Radiological techniques usually cannot distinguish clinically non-functioning from functioning pituitary adenomas. BSIPSS is used for confirmation of the diagnosis of Cushing's disease as well as for the lateralization of pituitary microadenomas in Cushing's disease and some other anterior pituitary hyperfunctional states.