Dynamic Contrast–Enhanced MRI Analysis of Blood Supply Distribution Characteristics in Pituitary Adenomas With Cavernous Sinus Invasion

OBJECTIVE: This study investigates the blood supply distribution in pituitary macroadenomas with cavernous sinus invasion using dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data from 44 patients treated between May 2018 and December 2021 were collected. DCE-MRI was conducted preoperatively. As a result, tumors in the sella turcica and cavernous sinus were distinguished based on cavernous sinus wall continuity on T2WI coronal views. Time-signal intensity curves were generated from DCE-MRI using a postprocessing workstation. RESULTS: Analysis revealed no significant difference (p > 0.05) in curve types between sella turcica and cavernous sinus tumor tissues. However, the volume transfer constant, reflux rate constant, and rT2WI in the sella turcica tumor tissue were significantly higher than those in the cavernous sinus (p < 0.05). Extracellular space volume fraction and initial area under the curve showed no significant difference (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Pituitary adenomas in the sella turcica and cavernous sinus share the same blood supply artery. However, the tumor tissue in the sella turcica displays richer blood flow and microvascular generation than that in the cavernous sinus.