Radiologic Imaging Techniques in Cushing’s Disease

Chapter
First Online:
Part of the Endocrine Updates book series (ENDO, volume 31)

Abstract

Neuroimaging studies play a central role in the clinical diagnosis and management of patients with Cushing’s disease. Modalities such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), and positron emission tomography (PET) are available to identify the presence of a pituitary lesion, which in turn allows for surgical treatment of this condition. All of these techniques have different strengths and weaknesses and can serve complementary roles in the evaluation of pituitary pathology in patients with Cushing’s disease. However, despite advances in diagnostic imaging, there are still some patients in whom a structural abnormality cannot be identified. This chapter aims to give the reader a practical but thorough overview of the imaging techniques available for the diagnosis of Cushing’s disease, including their advantages and limitations.

Keywords

Pituitary pathology Neuroimaging Diagnostic imaging Magnetic resonance imaging Computed tomography Positron emission tomography Adrenocorticotropic hormone 
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Copyright information

© Springer Science+Business Media, LLC 2011

Authors and Affiliations

  1. 1.Neuroradiology Division, Department of RadiologyMassachusetts General HospitalBostonUSA
  2. 2.Neuroradiology Division, Department of RadiologyMassachusetts General HospitalBostonUSA

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