Infrasellar craniopharyngioma: CT and MR studies.

A rare case of an infrasellar craniopharyngioma is reported. Pathological proof and CT and magnetic resonance (MR) images of the tumor are presented. This case is thought to demonstrate the first example of MR images of an infrasellar craniopharyngioma. Evidence suggesting that the tumor originated from an infrasellar location is presented.

Sixth nerve neuroma in the cavernous sinus: CT features.

A sixth nerve neuroma arising within the cavernous sinus is reported. This is the third sixth nerve neuroma cited in the world literature and the first to have CT demonstration. The unusual CT enhancement characteristics excluded the more common cavernous sinus masses and suggested the correct diagnosis preoperatively.

CT of the normal pituitary gland.

Retrospective evaluation of the pituitary gland on coronal post-contrast CT scan in 251 patients demonstrated that the pituitary gland is somewhat larger in females than in males. In males, glands measuring greater than 7.7 mm should be considered abnormal; in females, a statistically significant decline of gland height occurs with increasing age, the upper limit of normal for female gland height decreasing from 9.2 cm for a 20-year-old to 6.0 cm for a 90-year-old. Focal low densities greater than 3 mm are rare in males and probably should be considered abnormal.

Computed tomography of familial pineoblastoma.

Although certain tumors such as retinoblastoma have a known familial pattern of transmission, the familial occurrence of pineoblastoma has not been reported previously. We report pineoblastomas occurring in a mother and daughter and suggest that this type of tumor may have an inheritable mode of transmission.

Giant intracranial aneurysm in a child with tuberous sclerosis: CT demonstration.

The authors describe the first case of giant intracranial aneurysm in a child with tuberous sclerosis. The subject of vascular disease in this condition is reviewed.

Differential diagnosis of the enlarged superior ophthalmic vein.

Enlargement of the superior ophthalmic vein (SOV), although usually considered a sign of carotid-cavernous fistula, may be found with other disorders. Patients with Graves orbitopathy, orbital pseudotumor, and a parasellar meningioma as the cause of an enlarged SOV as seen on computed tomography are discussed.

CT of the normal pituitary stalk.

A prospective study assessed the size and frequency of visualization of the normal pituitary stalk on high-resolution computed tomography (CT). The normal pituitary stalk can be seen on the vast majority of high-resolution scans obtained with thin sections and intravenous contrast material. The upper size limit of the normal pituitary stalk is 4 mm at the level of the dorsum sellae and 4.5 mm above the dorsum. Stalks larger than this should be viewed with suspicion. Comparison of the size of the pituitary stalk with that of the nearby basilar artery is possible on most CT scans, providing a convenient and reliable visual check of the size of the stalk.

CT of the abnormal pituitary stalk.

Seven cases are presented in which enlargement of the pituitary stalk was demonstrated by computed tomography (CT). Histiocytosis X, sarcoidosis, and metastatic cancer were the proven or presumed causes. The discovery of pituitary stalk enlargement prompted radiation treatment in three patients and led to the diagnosis of previously unsuspected diabetes insipidus in one.

High-resolution CT of lesions of the optic nerve.

The optic nerves are well demonstrated by high-resolution computed tomography. Involvement of the optic nerve by optic gliomas and optic nerve sheath meningiomas is well known. However, nonneoplastic processes such as increased intracranial pressure, optic neuritis, Grave ophthalmopathy, and orbital pseudotumor may also alter the appearance of the optic nerve/sheath on computed tomography. Certain clinical and computed tomographic features permit distinction of these nonneoplastic tumefactions from tumors.

CT appearance of the adolescent and preadolescent pituitary gland.

Coronal computed tomographic scans of the pituitary gland in 27 normal children, adolescents, and young adults (ages, 8-21 years) and in a comparison group of adults (ages, 24-91 years) were evaluated retrospectively to test the applicability of published criteria for size and configuration of normal adult pituitary glands to younger patients. Statistically significant differences were found between the two groups, indicating that the pituitary gland in adolescents, particularly girls, is larger than in younger or older patients. The authors suggest that pubertal pituitary hyperplasia accounts for these findings. They conclude that standards for normal pituitary glands are probably inappropriate for adolescents.