The value of MRI and its significance in the pre-operation diagnosis of invasive pituitary adenoma

Objective To explore the value MRI and its significance in the pre-operation diagnosis of invasive pituitary adenoma. Methods 36 patients with invasive pituitary adenoma confirmed by surgery and pathology were imaged with coronal and sagittal T1WI,coronal T2WI; post-contrast coronal ,sagittal and axial T1WI, using 3. 0T MRI scanner. Results The MRI appearance of the tumors was iso-intense on T1WI,iso-or high intense on T2WI,and homogeneously or not enhancement after Gd-DTPA injection. MRI findings included encasement of internal carotid artery,invasion of the sella turcica and adjacent bones,involvement of sphenoid sinus and cavernous sinus. 24 cavernous sinuses with grade-4 invasion and 27 cavernous sinuses with grade-3 invasion on MRI were confirmed involvement of cavernous sinus and encasement of internal carotid artery wholly or partly by surgery. Conclusions MRI is helpful in evaluating the invasion of pituitary adenoma before operation,which is of great clinical significance for the management of the disease.