MRI signal intensity profiles of sellar and perisellar lesions.

Literature data are reviewed and cumulated with our own findings in order to delineate the ability of MRI to evaluate the nature of sellar and perisellar lesions by analyzing their signal intensity profiles. The existence of different trends in T1 and T2 relaxation characteristics was documented within a spectrum of frequently presenting lesions. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) signal intensity analysis may contribute to exclude differential diagnostic problems remaining after computer tomographic examination of the sella. MRI should be the primary imaging test (in the absence of the known contra-indications) whenever a suspected pituitary or perisellar lesion has to be studied non-invasively.