MRI research of diaphragma sellae in patients with pituitary adenoma.

This study is to investigate the clinical significance of diaphragma sellae in patients with pituitary adenoma by MR images. A total of 47 cases of pituitary adenoma patients were enrolled in this study. Preoperative and postoperative MR scanning together with preoperative 3D-GE sequential scanning were performed. A series of parameters of diaphragma sellae were measured and compared. Tumor height was greater in patients with convex diaphragma sellae than that in patients with concave diaphragma sellae. The width and height of diaphragmal opening were positively related to tumor height. Diaphragmal opening width in the invasive group was greater than that of the non invasive group. Diaphragmal opening width in the non total resection group was significantly greater than that in the total resection group. Tumor resection rate was negatively correlated to diaphragmal opening width in the non total resection group. Lift angle of bilateral epidural around diaphragmal opening was positively related to tumor height. Enhanced 3D-GE images can perfectly display diaphragma sellae and parameters of tumor height and tumor invasiveness are related to diaphragmal opening diameter.