Magnetic resonance imaging : pituitary microadenomas

Abstract

The current protocol at St. Luke's Hospital, Malta for Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of pituitary microadenoma, calls for a series of pre-contrast images, administration of contrast and post-contrast series of images. In this small scale study the need for the administration of the whole post-contrast series of MRI was investigated. Twenty two cases with confirmed pituitary microadenoma and follow-up MRI examination were selected and evaluated by two radiologists who regularly report on MRI examination at St. Luke's Hospital. The pre-contrast images were examined first followed by the preand post-contrast images one week later. The radiologists' separate responses were each time recorded on the questionnaire purposely constructed from the reviewed literature. The Chi-square test was used to analyse the data. Results showed that detection rate by radiologists improved whilst viewing pre- and post-contrast images together leading the researcher to conclude that in the case of follow-up microadenoma contrast administration is still necessary.