Potentialities of computer-aided tomography and magnetic imaging in the diagnosis of hypophyseal prolactinomas

Abstract

Fifty-seven women with the hyperoprolactinemic syndrome coursing from 6 months to 13 years were examined. Total blood serum immunoreactive prolactin was measured, and craniograms made in all the patients, computer-aided tomography of the head was carried out in 49, and magnetic imaging in 38 patients. A total of 29 micro-, 16 macroadenomas, 1 chaniopharyngiomas, and 2 cases of “empty sella turcica” were revealed. Efficacy of prolactinoma detection by computer-aided tomography and magnetic imaging was 63.2 and 78.9%, respectively. Hence, these methods may effectively diagnose hypophyseal prolactinomas, but magnetic imaging is preferable for the detection of microprolactinomas and in cases with suspected volumic processes of the brain.