Imaging of the pituitary and parasellar region.

The sellar and parasellar region is anatomically complex and encompasses many important vascular, endocrine, and neural structures. Pathology that arises within this region is often similarly complex, and requires a combination of endocrinologic, ophthalmologic, and neurologic examinations combined with advanced neuroimaging modalities. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has become the gold standard for characterization of sellar and parasellar pathology due to the high contrast and detail it provides. Computed tomography (CT) allows for identification of bony involvement of lesions and also the general bony anatomy of the sellar region. Both modalities combined allow for complete characterization of sellar and parasellar pathology.