[Value of dynamic MRI in the diagnosis of hypophyseal microadenomas].

PURPOSE

To evaluate dynamic MR imaging of the pituitary gland.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

19 patients with suspected mass lesions of the pituitary gland were examined at 1.5 Tesla with dynamic and standard MRI using a Turbo-FLASH sequence (1 image/s for 40 s).

RESULTS

In 13/19 patients microadenomas were detected. One of the 13 microadenomas was detected using dynamic imaging and was not seen on standard MRI. The remaining 12 microadenomas were diagnosed with standard MRI.

CONCLUSION

Dynamic imaging of the pituitary gland is a time-consuming and costly diagnostic technique. If laboratory results suggest the presence of a microadenoma and conventional MRI is unable to localise it, dynamic imaging should be performed.