Role Of MRI In The Evaluation Of Sellar, Suprasellar, And Parasellar Lesions

Abstract

Background: Sellar, suprasellar, and parasellar lesions are a diverse group of pathologies that affect the pituitary gland, hypothalamus, and surrounding structures. These lesions may be benign or malignant and can lead to a wide variety of clinical symptoms, including endocrine dysfunction, visual disturbances, and headaches. Accurate diagnosis is crucial for proper management. MRI is the imaging modality of choice due to its ability to provide high-resolution, detailed images of soft tissues, allowing for the effective evaluation of these lesions.

Objective: The aim of this review is to evaluate the role of MRI in diagnosing and characterizing sellar, suprasellar, and parasellar lesions. The article will highlight the advantages, limitations, and diagnostic capabilities of MRI in these regions and discuss its role in guiding treatment decisions.

Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted, focusing on studies that explore the diagnostic role of MRI in evaluating sellar, suprasellar, and parasellar lesions. Key findings from relevant studies were summarized to assess how MRI differentiates various pathologies in these regions, including pituitary adenomas, craniopharyngiomas, Rathke’s cleft cysts, meningiomas, and metastases.

Results: MRI, with and without contrast enhancement, is the gold standard for evaluating lesions in the sellar, suprasellar, and parasellar regions. The common pathologies in these regions include pituitary adenomas, craniopharyngiomas, Rathke’s cleft cysts, meningiomas, and metastases, each with characteristic MRI findings that aid in diagnosis. Contrast-enhanced MRI improves the diagnostic accuracy by revealing the enhancement patterns typical of each lesion type.

Conclusion: MRI plays a critical role in the diagnosis and management of sellar, suprasellar, and parasellar lesions. With its ability to provide detailed images of soft tissues, MRI is indispensable in distinguishing between different lesion types, guiding clinical decisions, and determining the most appropriate treatment plan.