Fatima Rio

Perisellar Lesions a Pratical Approach

Most of the books devoted to Neuroradiology or to MR imaging of the brain do have a chapter on sellar and perisellar lesions J-s . Many papers on this topic have also regularly been published in neuroradiological journals or in journals of neurology, neurosurgery, endocrinology and so on 6· 16• The purpose of this presentation is essentialy to provide guidelines about how to provide an optimal neuroradiological work-up of patients clinically suspected to harbour a perisellar lesion and discuss the important semiological neuroradiological signs to be aware of. In summary, what kind of examination should be performed and in which order? What are the important questions to be raised and preferably answered!?

Imaging Tumours of the Spine and Spinal Cord

Spine and spinal cord tumours are rare (Osborn 1994; Sze 1996). Still, these tumours are often found in younger patients or children and should be properly identified. Early diagnosis plays an important role in the management of spinal cord tumours and will interfere with the pro gnosis and final outcome of the patient (BalEriaux 1999). Plain X-ray still has an important role to play providing a first overview of the spine including an easy dynamic approach of the spine. CT remains the imaging modality of choice for the evaluation of the bony vertebral structures but is of limited diagnostic value in the case of intramedullary pathology. MRI should be performed as so on as possible and firstly whenever an intrinsic spinal cord lesion is clinically suspected. Systematic analysis of the MR images together with a basic knowledge of the most common spinal cord tumours encountered eases early recognition of the disease and leads to appropriate treatment (BalEriaux et al. 1999; Zileli et al. 1996).