Diagnosis of pituitary microadenomas by computed tomography

The computed tomographic scan has proved to be a highly accurate method for the pre-operative diagnosis of pituitary micro-adenomas. The adenomas in all our patients were visualized as small nodular areas of increased density after administration of contrast medium. In all cases the bony outline of the pituitary fossa shown on the plain skull radiographs and on the computed tomographic scans was normal. It is considered that with the advent of high-resolution scanners, computed tomography is the procedure of choice for the diagnosis of adenomas. (Auth.)