Reformatted sagittal images in the differential diagnosis of meningiomas and pituitary adenomas with suprasellar extension.

Approximately 3 to 4 times a year, a tumor with suprasellar extension escapes classification on high resolution coronal and transaxial computed tomography. When arteriography failed to determine the diagnosis, the differential choices were usually meningioma or pituitary adenoma. The authors report the use of sagittal reformatted images in this differential diagnosis and conclude that these images may aid in the distinction between pituitary tumors with suprasellar extension and meningiomas located in this area.