The value of computed tomography in evaluating patients with prolactinomas.

The use of computed tomography (CT) in 28 patients with surgically proved prolactinomas is described. The authors' experience suggests that in evaluating patients with galactorrhea-amenorrhea syndrome, CT in combination with pluridirectional tomography usually provides sufficient information to make further invasive studies unnecessary. In selected cases with low-density areas within the sella as seen on CT, pneumoencephalography is still advisable to distinguish between the empty sella and the necrotic tumor. Angiography is still necessary to exclude vascular causes for suprasellar and parasellar masses such as aneurysms and meningiomas.