metrizamide and Adenoma--Chromophobe

Metrizamide computerized tomographic cisternography was performed with a small dose and low concentration of intrathecal metrizamide using a newer generation of computerized tomography scanner for the evaluation of sellar and suprasellar abnormalities. The examination was performed with thin sections in axial, direct coronal, and (when feasible) direct sagittal projections in a high-resolution technique. The relationship of the lesions with carotid arteries, optic chiasms, and hypothalamic structures was accurately defined.

Topics: Adenoma; Adenoma, Chromophobe; Adolescent; Adult; Cranial Nerve Neoplasms; Empty Sella Syndrome; Female; Humans; Male; Meningioma; Metrizamide; Middle Aged; Myelography; Optic Chiasm; Pituitary Diseases; Pituitary Neoplasms; Sella Turcica; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Seventy-five suprasellar metrizamide cisternograms were obtained, 25 in normal individuals who had had cervical myelography and 50 in patients with pituitary or juxtapituitary lesions. The technique accurately delineates a suprasellar extension of a small or moderate-sized pituitary lesion and usually shows its relationship to the optic chiasm. Large suprasellar masses, however, are not well visualized. 'Empty sellae' are readily demonstrated and have a high incidence in both normal individuals and those with pituitary tumors. This procedure can be supplemented by metrizamide CT cisternography and is simpler to perform and often better tolerated by patients than is pneumoencephalography.

Topics: Acromegaly; Adenoma; Adenoma, Chromophobe; Contrast Media; Craniopharyngioma; Empty Sella Syndrome; Female; Humans; Male; Metrizamide; Myelography; Nelson Syndrome; Pituitary Neoplasms

Topics: Adenoma, Chromophobe; Adult; Drug Evaluation; Empty Sella Syndrome; Female; Humans; Injections, Spinal; Male; Methods; Metrizamide; Middle Aged; Pituitary Neoplasms; Tomography, X-Ray; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

The methodology and clinical use of metrizamide (Amipaque) computed tomography (CT) cisternography are described as applied in the cases of 22 children with morphologic and physiologic abnormalities affecting the cranial portion portion of the central nervous system. In contrast to pneumoencephalography, CT cisternography affords equivalent or superior visualization of the basal cranal subarachnoid spaces with simpler technique and low morbidity. Intrathecal metrizamide enchancement in children causes a very low incidence of side effects.

Topics: Adenoma, Chromophobe; Adolescent; Brain Diseases; Brain Neoplasms; Brain Stem; Child; Child, Preschool; Contrast Media; Cysts; Encephalomalacia; Glioma; Humans; Hydrocephalus; Infant; Injections, Spinal; Iodobenzoates; Metrizamide; Myelography; Tomography, X-Ray Computed