Are intra- and suprasellar masses detected by CT and MR really tumours?

The difficulties of differential diagnosis between intra- and suprasellar tumours resp. inflammatory processes are discussed, based on three personal cases. In all three computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MR) had demonstrated a tumour, but the clinical signs with discrepancies between radiological and clinical findings were pointing to an inflammatory process. The correct diagnosis of an inflammation was achieved by co-operation between neurologist, neurosurgeon, otologist and ophthalmologist. An unnecessary neurosurgical operation was avoided and the patients were cured by otological intervention and antibiotic therapy.