Discriminative MRI Findings of Pituitary Adenomas from Craniopharyngiomas

Purpose: The aim of this study is to determine and define differential magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of pituitary adenomas and craniopharyngiomas. Materials and methods: This retrospective analysis was performed on MR imaging findings of 45 pituitary adenomas and 41 craniopharyngiomas with solid and cystic mixed appearance. MRI findings including shape ovoid, snowman, lobulation, chiasma compression, cavernous sinus invasion, 3rd ventricle compression, calcification, predominant type – cystic vs solid, contrast enhancement patterns – homogenous, reticular and extension were assessed. Results: Among MRI findings superiorly lobulated shape, third ventricle compression and reticular enhancement of solid parts were common in craniopharyngiomas while snowman shape, predominantly solid content, homogenous enhancement of solid parts were compatible with adenomas significantly at p <0.05 for all. Conclusion: Tumor shape and contrast enhancement patterns of solid parts seem discriminative MRI features for pituitary adenoma and craniopharyngiomas.