Usefulness of multiphase helical CT in the diagnosis of pituitary microadenoma

The purpose of this study was to determine the value of multiphase helical CT (MHCT) in the diagnosis of pituitary microadenoma. Twenty-two patients with clinically suspected microadenoma were examined. Coronal pre-contrast CT was initially carried out. Three series of helical scanning using 1-mm collimation, 1-mm/s table speed, and 1-mm interval reconstruction covering the entire pituitary gland were performed with an intravenous injection of contrast medium. Immediately after MHCT, delayed CECT was performed. Twenty microadenomas (3-10 mm, mean: 5.5 mm) were surgically confirmed. MHCT could depict all 20 tumors, while pre-contrast CT and delayed CECT showed 4 and 12 of 20 tumors, respectively. MHCT was useful in the diagnosis of pituitary microadenoma owing to its high spatial resolution and extensive coverage. (author)