Predictive value of diffusion-weighted MRI for tumor consistency and resection rate of nonfunctional pituitary macroadenomas.

Backgrounds: Firm tumor consistency is one of the most important factors that impede sufficient removal of pituitary macroademoas via a transsphenoidal approach. The utility of diffusion-weighted (DW) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in predicting the tumor consistency and successfulness of transsphenoidal resection was evaluated in this study.

Methods: Thirty consecutive primary cases of nonfunctional pituitary macroadenomas were prospectively enrolled.