Transsphenoidal Surgical Approach Research Articles

Comparing the efficacy of endoscopic endonasal versus microscopic transsphenoidal approach for the management of sellar and suprasellar tumors: a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol

Abstract Managing sellar and suprasellar tumors is challenging due to their diverse origins and proximity to critical structures. The transsphenoidal surgical approach has become the preferred method, evolving from transcranial attempts to reduce morbidity. Microscopic transsphenoidal techniques have been refined over time, with endoscopic endonasal surgery emerging as a significant advancement. Due to the multifaceted nature of these approaches, the complexities of the pathology and the paucity of data from specific regions, understanding the prevalence, characteristics and management outcomes of sellar and suprasellar tumors is crucial for informing healthcare practices and resource allocation. This study aims to collate evidence-based insights into the efficacy of the endoscopic endonasal approach compared with the microscopic transsphenoidal approach as a surgical intervention for sellar and suprasellar tumors, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines for 2020. To source pertinent information, we will rely on four primary central databases: PubMed, EMBASE, SCOPUS and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. The primary outcome measure will be the surgical outcome’s effectiveness in achieving tumor resection and preserving pituitary function. The study protocol is duly registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO), with no requirement for ethical approval as it exclusively relies on previously published research. We aim to publish our findings in scientific journals and present the abstract at conferences to guide clinical practice. PROSPERO Registration Number: CRD42023461972: available via https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42023461972.

An Evaluation of YouTube Videos as a Surgical Instructional Tool for Endoscopic Endonasal Approaches in Otolaryngology.

Online surgical videos are an increasingly popular resource for surgical trainees, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our objective was to assess the instructional quality of the YouTube videos of the transsphenoidal surgical approach (TSA), using LAParoscopic surgery Video Educational Guidelines (LAP-VEGaS). YouTube TSA videos were searched using 5 keywords. Video characteristics were recorded. Two fellowship-trained rhinologists evaluated videos using LAP-VEGaS (scale 0 [worst] to 18 [best]). The searches produced 43 unique, unduplicated videos for analysis. Mean video length 7 minutes (standard deviation [SD] = 13), mean viewership was 16017 views (SD = 29415), and mean total LAP-VEGaS score was 9 (SD = 3). The LAP-VEGaS criteria with the lowest mean scores were presentation of the positioning of the patient/surgical team (mean = 0.2; SD = 0.6) and the procedure outcomes (mean = 0.4; SD = 0.6). There was substantial interrater agreement (κ = 0.71). LAP-VEGaS, initially developed for laparoscopic procedures, is useful for evaluating TSA instructional videos. There is an opportunity to improve the quality of these videos.

Management of Childhood-onset Craniopharyngioma in Italy: A Multicenter, 7-Year Follow-up Study of 145 Patients.

Nationwide data on children diagnosed with craniopharyngioma (CP) are not available in Italy. This work aimed to identify patients' characteristics, type of surgical approach, complications and recurrences, number of pituitary deficits, and number of patients starting growth hormone (GH) treatment. A retrospective multicenter collection took place of 145 patients aged 0 to 18 years who underwent surgery for CP between 2000 and 2018, and followed up in 17 Italian centers of pediatric endocrinology. Age at diagnosis was 8.4 ± 4.1 years. Duration of symptoms was 10.8 ± 12.5 months and headache was most frequent (54%), followed by impaired growth (48%) and visual disturbances (44%). Most lesions were suprasellar (85%), and histology was adamantinomatous in all cases but two. Surgical approach was transcranial (TC) in 67.5% of cases and transsphenoidal (TS) in 31.%. The TC approach was prevalent in all age groups. Postsurgery complications occurred in 53% of cases, with water-electrolyte disturbances most frequent. Radiotherapy was used in 39% of cases. All patients but one presented with at least one hormone pituitary deficiency, with thyrotropin deficiency most frequent (98.3%), followed by adrenocorticotropin (96.8%), arginine vasopressin (91.1%), and GH (77.4%). Body mass index (BMI) significantly increased over time. A hypothalamic disturbance was present in 55% of cases. GH therapy was started during follow-up in 112 patients at a mean age of 10.6 years, and 54 developed a recurrence or regrowth of the residual lesion. CP is often diagnosed late in Italy, with TC more frequent than the TS surgical approach. Postsurgery complications were not rare, and hypopituitarism developed almost in all cases. BMI shows a tendency to increase overtime.

Sodium and Water Imbalance After Sellar, Suprasellar, and Parasellar Surgery

To report the frequency of sodium and water disturbances (SWDs) in patients undergoing sellar, suprasellar, and parasellar surgery (SSPS). We conducted a cross-sectional, retrospective study on 115 patients in the Aga Khan University Hospital after ethical approval. Patients were 16 years old or older undergoing pituitary or sellar surgeries. We collected data on basic sociodemographic characteristics and clinical indication for surgery. We noted laboratory values for serum electrolytes, plasma and urine osmolality, urine sodium, and 24-hour fluid balance from the immediate postoperative day until discharge and follow-up. We recorded medical management plans. We also recorded diabetes insipidus (DI), syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH), cerebral salt wasting (CSW), triphasic response, and hyponatremia, according to the diagnostic definitions. Finally, we performed data analysis using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, version 19.0. Of 115 patients, there were 61.7% males, mean age 42.3 ± 13.86 years, 91.3% had pituitary adenoma (73.0% nonfunctioning), and 86.1% underwent transsphenoidal surgical approach. Transient DI occurred from days 1 to 6, peaking with 57.4% on day 2. Permanent DI and SIADH were rare. We did not note typical triphasic response or CSW in any of the patients. However, isolated hyponatremia occurred in 11%, and 20.9% had DI with hyponatremia. Transient DI is the most common postoperative SWD after SSPS. Hyponatremia occurred alone and following DI. This is the first study describing postoperative SWDs after different sellar surgeries in Pakistan. ADH = antidiuretic hormone CSW = cerebral salt wasting DI = diabetes insipidus SIADH = syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone SSPS = sellar, suprasellar, and parasellar surgery SWD = sodium and water disturbance.

Intrasphenoid septations inserted into the internal carotid arteries: a frequent and risky relationship in transsphenoidal surgeries

IntroductionWhen an expanded endonasal transsphenoidal surgical approach is performed, intrasphenoid septations must be completely resected. If these structures are close to the internal carotid artery (ICA), then their manipulation might cause vascular injury. ObjectiveThe objective of this study is to describe the frequency of intrasphenoid septations in the internal carotid artery protuberance (ICAp). MethodsComputed tomography (CT) scans of 421 patients were analysed. Intrasphenoid septations (classified as intersphenoid or accessory) and their relationship to the ICAp were described. Additionally, a sphenoid sinus classification was performed based on their degree of pneumatisation to determine whether a difference exists in the frequency of intrasphenoid septations inserted into ICAp with regard to sinus type. ResultsThe patient mean age was 39±21.4 years. Overall, 219 patients (52%) had septations in the ICAp; 359 patients (85.3%) had intersphenoid septations; of the latter, 135 (37.6%) had septations in the ICAp. This frequency was higher among patients with sphenoid sinus type 4 or 5 (44.7% and 43.5%, respectively). Accessory septations were found in 255 patients (60.6%); 140 of these septations (54.9%) were in the ICAp. Among 351 patients with types 3, 4 or 5 sphenoid sinuses (i.e., only well-pneumatised sphenoid sinuses), 219 (62.4%) had septations in the ICAp. These frequencies are higher than those reported in most previous studies. ConclusionThe frequency of intrasphenoid septations in the ICAp found is considerable. It is higher among patients with more pneumatised sinuses. This finding justifies an appropriate pre-operative study, and careful attention must be paid during transsphenoidal surgery.

Pituitary aspergillus infection

Fungal infection should be considered in the differential diagnosis of a pituitary or sellar mass, albeit fungal infections involving the pituitary gland and sella are a rare occurrence. We report a case of Aspergillus infection involving the pituitary gland and sellar region discovered in a 74-year-old man. The patient had a history of hypertension, chronic renal disease, autoimmune hemolytic anemia and presented with right eye pain, headaches and worsening hemiparesis. Imaging studies revealed a right internal carotid artery occlusion and an acute right pontine stroke along with smaller infarcts in the right middle cerebral artery distribution. Clinically, the patient was thought to have vasculitis. An infectious etiology was not identified. He developed respiratory distress and died. At autopsy, necrotizing meningitis was discovered. A predominantly chronic inflammatory cell infiltrate consisting of benign-appearing lymphocytes, plasma cells and macrophages was accompanied by acute angle branching, angioinvasive hyphae which were highlighted on Gomori methenamine silver staining and were morphologically consistent with Aspergillus species. In previously reported cases of Aspergillus infection involving the pituitary or sella, most presented with headaches or impaired vision and were not immunocompromised. A transsphenoidal surgical approach is recommended in suspected cases in order to minimize the risk of dissemination of the infection. Some patients have responded well to antifungal medications once diagnosed.

经鼻蝶垂体腺瘤手术治疗进展

目前对于垂体瘤的治疗主要以手术为主，辅以药物治疗及放射治疗。随着科技的不断发展，垂体瘤的手术方式也在不断地发展更新。主要包括经鼻蝶入路术式、显微镜经鼻蝶手术、内镜下经鼻蝶入路。同时 MRI及神经导航也运用到垂体腺瘤手术中。文中就经鼻蝶入路手术治疗垂体腺瘤作一综述，以提高对垂体腺瘤治疗的认识。 At present, surgery is the mainly treatment of pituitary adenomas, supplemented by drug therapy and radiotherapy. The means of ectomy of pituitary adenomas is developed constantly, including transsphenoidal surgical approach, transsphenoidal microsurgery approach and eurotranssphe-noidal neuroendoscopic surgery. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and neural navigation are also used in the ectomy. In the paper, we summarize the transsphenoidal surgical approach, in order to improve the understanding of the treatment of pituitary adenoma.

Vascular Complications of Intercavernous Sinuses during Transsphenoidal Surgery: An Anatomical Analysis Based on Autopsy and Magnetic Resonance Venography.

PurposeVascular complications induced by intercavernous sinus injury during dural opening in the transsphenoidal surgery may contribute to incomplete tumour resections. Preoperative neuro-imaging is of crucial importance in planning surgical approach. The aim of this study is to correlate the microanatomy of intercavernous sinuses with its contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance venography (CE-MRV).MethodsEighteen human adult cadavers and 24 patients were examined based on autopsy and CE-MRV. Through dissection of the cadavers and CE-MRV, the location, shape, number, diameter and type of intercavernous sinuses were measured and compared.ResultsDifferent intercavernous sinuses were identified by their location and shape in all the cadavers and CE-MRV. Compared to the cadavers, CE-MRV revealed 37% of the anterior intercavernous sinus, 48% of the inferior intercavernous sinus, 30% of the posterior intercavernous sinus, 30% of the dorsum sellae sinus and 100% of the basilar sinus. The smaller intercavernous sinuses were not seen in the neuro-images. According to the presence of the anterior and inferior intercavernous sinus, four types of the intercavernous sinuses were identified in cadavers and CE-MRV, and the corresponding operative space in the transsphenoidal surgical approach was implemented.ConclusionThe morphology and classification of the cavernous sinus can be identified by CE-MRV, especially for the larger vessels, which cause bleeding more easily. Therefore, CE-MRV provides a reliable measure for individualized preoperative planning during transsphenoidal surgery.

Factors associated with recurrence after endoscopic transphenoidal surgery for Cushing’s disease

Introduction: Surgical removal is the standard treatment for Cushing’s disease. Although endoscopic transsphenoidal surgical (ETS) approach has grown in popularity, its efficacy has not yet been established. Furthermore, achieving long-term remission remains challenging. Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review of 39 consecutive patients who underwent ETS for Cushing’s disease at our institution between 2005 and 2014. Univariate analysis using Pearson’s χ2 test was carried out on variables of patient demographics, radiology, pathology, biochemical markers versus recurrence. Results: The mean age was 40, with 82% females. Average length of follow-up was 44.8 months. Based on serum cortisol level, 28 patients (71%) achieved mid to long-term remission after ETS. Of them, 25 experienced an immediate remission, and 3 achieved a delayed remission as long as 4 months postoperatively. MRI findings of (1) microadenomas or no detectable abnormality, (2) adjacency to the cavernous sinus wall were associated with significantly higher recurrence rate (p<0.05). Histologically, MIB-1 >5% was not a significant variable (p=0.55). Conclusion: We found ETS resection to be an effective and safe procedure for majority of the ACTH-secreting adenomas, with remission rates >70%. Additionally, patients with microadenomas, negative preoperative MR, and cavernous sinus adjacency were less likely to achieve remission.

Evaluation of the 3-Dimensional Endoscope in Transsphenoidal Surgery

Three-dimensional (3-D) endoscopy is a recent addition to augment the transsphenoidal surgical approach for anterior skull-base and parasellar lesions. We describe our experience implementing this technology into regular surgical practice. Retrospective review of clinical factors and outcomes. All patients were analyzed who had endoscopic endonasal parasellar operations since the introduction of the 3-D endoscope to our practice. Over an 18-month period, 160 operations were performed using solely endoscopic techniques. Sixty-five of these were with the Visionsense VSII 3-D endoscope and 95 utilized 2-dimensional (2-D) high-definition (HD) Storz endoscopes. Intraoperative and postoperative findings were analyzed in a retrospective fashion. Comparing both groups, there was no significant difference in total or surgical operating room times comparing the 2-D HD and 3-D endoscopes (239 minutes vs 229 minutes, P = .47). Within disease-specific comparison, pituitary adenoma resection was significantly shorter utilizing the 3-D endoscope (surgical time 174 minutes vs 147 minutes, P = .03). These findings were independent of resident or fellow experience. There was no significant difference in the rate of complication, reoperation, tumor resection, or intraoperative cerebrospinal fluid leaks. Subjectively, the 3-D endoscope offered increased agility with 3-D techniques such as exposing the sphenoid rostrum, drilling sphenoidal septations, and identifying bony landmarks and suprasellar structures. The 3-D endoscope is a useful alternative to the 2-D HD endoscope for transnasal anterior skull-base surgery. Preliminary results suggest it is more efficient surgically and has a shorter learning curve. As 3-D technology and resolution improve, it should serve to be an invaluable tool for neuroendoscopy.

Trans-sphenoidal Approach to the Supraclinoid Internal Carotid Artery for Endovascular Access in a Cadaver

PurposeSometimes, intracranial pathology in the distal vasculature cannot be accessed by standard endovascular techniques because of occlusion or insurmountable tortuosity of theinternal carotid artery (ICA). A trans-sphenoidal surgical approach can follow a similar trajectory to the course of the supraclinoid ICA. This study evaluates the feasibility of a trans-sphenoidal approach to the supraclinoid ICA for endovascular access.Materials and MethodsIn a fresh cadaver head, the sphenoid sinus was dissected through a trans-sphenoidal route. Bone over the carotid prominence was removed to expose the ICA. The artery was catheterized using the Seldinger technique, and three-dimensional digital subtraction angiography was performed to evaluate the procedure.ResultsThe catheter was successfully inserted into the supraclinoid ICA via the trans-sphenoidal route. Three-dimensional radiographic reconstruction confirmed placement of the catheter and the trajectory of the sheath into the supraclinoid ICA.ConclusionWhile the trans-sphenoidal route has innumerable disadvantages over the standard endovascular access techniques, this route could be considered when other treatment options are too risky or impractical.

Sellar repair in endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary adenoma: a report of 240 cases

Background and Objective: Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak is a devastating complication after transsphenoidal surgical approach to pituitary adenoma and sellar repair has been postulated as crucial step in this approach. In this study, we describe our experience regarding sellar repair in pure endoscopic endonasal approach in 240 patients with pituitary adenoma. Methods: During April 2005 to April 2011, a total of 240 patients with pituitary adenomas underwent endoscopic endonasal approaches for tumor removal. The degree of intra-operative CFS leak was graded as followed: Grade 0: no leakage was observed; grade 1: leakage in form of drops; and grade 3: flow of CSF was observed. Repair was done according to degree of leak e.g. surgicel for grade 0, fat and fascia for grade 1, with adding synthetic sealant and/or lumbar drain for grade 2. The method of repair is discussed in each group and exceptions were also bolded. No sphenoid sinus obliteration was needed. Results: There were 208 macroadenomas and 32 microadenomas. One hundred and thirteen patients (55.4%) had grade 0 CSF leaks, 78 patients (32.5%) grade 1 CSF leaks, and 29 patients (12%) showed grade 2 leaks. There were 2 documented post operative CSF leak (0.8%) one of them was treated by lumbar drainage and the other with revision endoscopic repair. There was also one case of pneumocephalus (0.4%) with no obvious leak in nasal endoscopic exam which managed medically. There were also 2 cases of post-operation meningitis (0.8%) with no leak that one of them was due to outbreak of acinetobacter in ICU. Conclusion: Findings of this study showed that intra-operative CSF leak is an important factor determining the need and extend of sellar repair in endoscopic endonasal approach for pituitary adenoma. The low rate of post-operative CSF leak is in favor of the applicability of grading system and method chosen for repair.

Elevated body mass index and risk of postoperative CSF leak following transsphenoidal surgery

Postoperative CSF leakage can be a serious complication after a transsphenoidal surgical approach. An elevated body mass index (BMI) is a significant risk factor for spontaneous CSF leaks. However, there is no evidence correlating BMI with postoperative CSF leak after transsphenoidal surgery. The authors hypothesized that patients with elevated BMI would have a higher incidence of CSF leakage complications following transsphenoidal surgery. The authors conducted a retrospective review of 121 patients who, between August 2005 and March 2010, underwent endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgeries for resection of primarily sellar masses. Patients requiring extended transsphenoidal approaches were excluded. A multivariate statistical analysis was performed to investigate the association of BMI and other risk factors with postoperative CSF leakage. In 92 patients, 96 endonasal endoscopic transsphenoidal surgeries were performed that met inclusion criteria. Thirteen postoperative leaks occurred and required subsequent treatment, including lumbar drainage and/or reoperation. The average BMI of patients with a postoperative CSF leak was significantly greater than that in patients with no postoperative CSF leak (39.2 vs 32.9 kg/m(2), p = 0.006). Multivariate analyses indicate that for every 5-kg/m(2) increase in BMI, patients undergoing a transsphenoidal approach for a primarily sellar mass have 1.61 times the odds (95% CI 1.10-2.29, p = 0.016, by multivariate logistic regression) of having a postoperative CSF leak. Elevated BMI is an independent predictor of postoperative CSF leak after an endonasal endoscopic transsphenoidal approach. The authors recommend that patients with BMI greater than 30 kg/m(2) have meticulous sellar reconstruction at surgery and close monitoring postoperatively.

Anatomy and clinical research in endoscopic-transsphenoidal approach

Objective To review the endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery development and study the transsphenoidal surgical approach of microanatomy and offer anatomical data on transsphenoidal surgical approach for the resection of Sellar region diseases.Methods The related structures was observed and measured in 20 formalin-fixed adult cadaveric heads.Results The Sellar,Sphenoid mouth,Optic nerve,Carotid artery,Pituitary fossa,Cavernous sinus and the structural composition surrounding blood vessels and nerves were measured and recorded.Conclusions The microsurgical anatomy of Sellar region will be helpful in transsphenoidal approach in surgical technique and safe operation in endoscopic - transsphenoidal approach. Key words: Endoscopy; Nose/SU; Sella turcica/SU/AH

Transcranial echo-guided transsphenoidal surgical approach for the removal of large macroadenomas.

Transsphenoidal surgery for the removal of macroadenomas has some disadvantages, including the risk of performing procedures without adequate visualization, difficulties in estimating the amount of residual tumor, and the risk of injuring major vessels. To overcome these disadvantages, the authors have developed transcranial echo-guided transsphenoidal surgery. Three patients with large macroadenomas and two patients with irregularly shaped macroadenomas were selected for this operation. In addition to standard preparations for transsphenoidal surgery, in each case the right frontal bone was trephined and an echo probe was inserted transdurally through the trephination hole. During tumor removal, brightness-mode echo images and Doppler color flow images were obtained. The echo images allowed for real-time visualization of the tumor and surrounding brain structures including major arteries and the cisterns; histological heterogeneities of the tumor could also be appreciated. The tumors were removed safely and maximal tumor removal was achieved. Transcranial echo-guided transsphenoidal surgery provides real-time visualization of tumor removal. The method enhances the safety of this surgery, maximizes the removal of the tumor, and is inexpensive.

MRI evaluation of the diaphragmal opening: using MRI parallel to the transsphenoidal surgical approach

Twenty-six adult diaphragma sellae and infundibulae were examined by MRI parallel to the transsphenonidal surgical plane with attention given to the diaphragmal opening. The diaphragmal opening was observed in 11 cases (42.3%). The anteroposterior diame ter of the opening ranged from 4.0 to 14.0mm (mean 8.8mm), and the lateral diameter ranged from 6.0 to 14.0mm (mean 9.5mm). In the cases of open diaphragma sellae, the infundibulum tended to be located in the posterior part of the diaphragma sellae but this was not statisticallysignificant. On MRI parallel to the transsphenoidal surgical approach, the anatomy of the dia phragma sellae was well evaluated.

Endoscopic transnasal transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary tumors--intranasal procedures

We have been performing intranasal procedures and postoperative nasal treatments in patients undergoing microscopic transseptal pituitary surgery for the past twenty years. This surgery is safe and minimally invasive and has become the standard procedure for removing pituitary adenomas. Recent advances in optical technology have increased the use of endoscopy in endonasal sinus surgery. Several methods for endoscopic transnasal pituitary surgery have been reported. Here, we report the results for 31 patients (34 operations) who were treated with endoscopic transnasal pituitary surgery. This technique enables the area of surgery to be visualized without requiring a sublabial incision or septal ablation to be performed. Five of the cases were for recurrences after microscopic surgery. A transsphenoidal surgical approach via a unilateral nasal cavity was used in 32 cases. For the remaining two cases, a transsphenoidal surgical approach via bilateral nasal cavities was used in 1 case, and a transethmoidal-transsphenoidal surgical approach via a unilateral nasal cavity was used in 1 case. Excellent results comparable to those of microscopic transseptal surgery were obtained. Endoscopic transnasal transsphenoidal surgery was found to have the following advantages: low-invasiveness, a wide and clear surgical view, and a relatively short operating time in the nose and sinus, especially for recurrent cases. This endoscopic procedure should therefore be considered as the first choice for pituitary surgery.

Endonasal Transseptalsphenoidal Approach to the Hypophysis

Educational objectives: To define clearly the indications and understand the current criteria for the selection of patients for this surgical method and to learn step-by-step the endonasal transseptal transsphenoidal surgical approach to the sellar and parasellar regions.

Giant aneurysms of the sellar region simulating pituitary adenomas: A diagnosis to be considered

Aneurysms of the sellar region are commonly mistaken for pituitary adenomas, since they have similar clinical, endocrinological and neurological symptoms. The authors describe three patients with giant aneurysms of the internal carotid artery which were initially diagnosed as pituitary tumors. In all patients the clinical presentation was nonspecific, and consisted mainly of neurological symptoms such as headaches and visual field defects. Endocrine abnormalities were also found in the three cases. Patient no. 1 had short stature, lack of GH response to clonidine stimulation, low IGF-1 levels and blunted TSH response to TRH. Patient no. 2 had gonadotropin deficiency and patient no. 3 had hyperprolactinemia. CT scans showed a densely enhanced lesion in all patients, which was heterogeneous in one case and homogeneous in the remaining. Carotid angiography confirmed the diagnosis of aneurysm. Preoperative angiographic studies are necessary for the differential diagnosis of an aneurysm from a pituitary tumor. Furthermore, these studies could prevent the serious consequences of a transsphenoidal surgical approach in misdiagnosed cases.

Comparison of MR Imaging and CT in Pituitary Macroadenomas

The findings on mid-field MR imaging and CT were compared retrospectively in 65 patients with pituitary macroadenomas. The evaluation comprised tumour extension and delineation, invasiveness, relationship to adjacent structures, and internal tumoral changes. MR was superior to CT except in the demonstration of bone changes and tumour calcification. The superiority of MR was most pronounced regarding cavernous sinus invasion, tumour relationship to the carotid arteries and optic chiasm, and tumour haemorrhage. Extensive bone changes were visualized with both methods; erosions were often seen only with CT. It is concluded that MR is the preferable method for evaluation of pituitary macroadenomas. CT is useful as a supplementary modality when detailed information on bone anatomy is required, particularly if a transsphenoidal surgical approach is contemplated.