Faculty Collaboration Database

The computed tomographic appearance of the normal pituitary gland and pituitary microadenomas. Radiology 1979 Nov;133(2):385-91

Date

11/01/1979

Pubmed ID

227012

DOI

10.1148/133.2.385

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-0018668449 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   90 Citations

Abstract

With the use of axial and coronal computed tomography (CT), the authors compared the density, contrast enhancement, and dimensions of normal pituitary glands and pituitary microadenomas. The normal gland appears homogeneous, nearly isodense with brain tissue, and it enhances uniformly. Its upper surface is concave downward or flat and its height 2-7 mm. The cavernous sinuses, the third, fourth, and sixth cranial nerves, the infundibulum, and the adjacent carotid arteries are well demonstrated by CT. Abnormal height and upward convexity of the gland are reliable signs of prolactinoma; abnormal density and enhancement are suggestive signs. CT findings in prolactin- and ACTH-secreting tumors may differ. CT is more sensitive and more specific than polytomography in the diagnosis of pituitary adenoma.

Author List

Syvertsen A, Haughton VM, Williams AL, Cusick JF

Author

Joseph F. Cusick MD Adjunct Professor in the Neurosurgery department at Medical College of Wisconsin

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Adenoma
Adolescent
Adrenocorticotropic Hormone
Adult
Contrast Media
Female
Humans
Pituitary Gland
Pituitary Neoplasms
Prolactin
Sella Turcica
Tomography, X-Ray Computed