The value of intraoperative MRI for resection of functional pituitary adenomas—a critical assessment of a consecutive single-center series of 114 cases

This series sought to evaluate the role of intraoperative MRI (iMRI) for resection of functional pituitary adenomas (FPAs). We retrospectively reviewed clinical data of 114 consecutive FPAs with excessive hormone secretion treated with transsphenoidal surgery and iMRI during 01/2010–12/2017. We focused on iMRI findings, extend of resection and postoperative hormonal remission. Variables of incomplete resections and persistent hormone excess were evaluated by binary regression. Patients with FPAs presented with hypercortisolism ( n = 23, 20%), acromegaly ( n = 56, 49%), and as prolactinomas ( n = 35, 31%) resistant to medical treatment. Preoperative MRI showed 81 macroadenomas (71%) and optic system involvement in 41 cases (36%). IMRI was suggestive for residual tumor in 51 cases (45%). Re-inspection of the cavity cleared equivocal findings in 16 cases (14%). Additional tumor was removed in 22 cases (19%). Complete resection was achieved in 95 cases (83%). Postoperative morbidity was low (1.7% revision surgeries, 0.8% permanent diabetes insipidus). Overall hormonal remission-rate was 59% (hypercortisolism 78%, acromegaly 52%, prolactinoma 57%). Supra- and parasellar invasion and preoperative visual impairment were significant predictors for incomplete resections despite use of iMRI. Risk for persistent hormone excess was increased sevenfold after incomplete resections. IMRI enabled reliable identification of tumor remnants during surgery and triggered further resection in a considerable proportion of cases. Nevertheless, tumor size and invasiveness set persistent boundaries to the completeness of resections. The low rate of surgical complications could point at a less invasive iMRI-guided surgical approach while achieving a complete tumor resection was a crucial determinant for hormonal outcome.