SIPAP - A NEW MR CLASSIFICATION FOR PITUITARY-ADENOMAS

Purpose: To present a new MR classification for pituitary adenomas, a grading system named SIPAP. Material and Methods: SIPAP is an acronym for the 5 juxtasellar directions of tumour extension to or penetration into adjacent structures of the sella region, using a 6-figure number for each adenoma. This retrospective study was based on 87 mid-field MR examinations of 56 patients with biochemically or surgically confir med pituitary adenomas. Sagittal T1-weighted SE and coronal T1-weighte d 3D FFE sequences before and after i.v. contrast administration were performed. Results: The SIPAP classification was well adapted to the m aterial. All tumours except one postoperative remnant could be classif ied in the grading system. The classification was useful before and af ter treatment, fur follow-up over a longer period, and for comparing a denomas with different hormonal activity with reference to patient age and sex. Conclusion: The SIPAP classification together with tumour si ze is an optimal method for the registration of pituitary adenomas.