Functional imaging of pituitary is a relatively new imaging modality that can have added value in small or difficult to delineate functioning tumours not clearly visible on dedicated MRI. Most publications are with the tracer 11C-methionine, and use co-registration with volumetric MRI. 18F-FET is another tracer which has the advantage of not requiring an onsite cyclotron.
In this presentation we will discuss the current state of the art of this approach in complex pituitary tumours. What are the experiences and do they indeed improve outcomes in the various functioning tumours. How to use and implement the technique in the multidisciplinary team and tertiary reference centers? I will discuss chances but also pitfalls and challenges.
We have now 8 year experience with the use of functional imaging. I will share our learning curve and our team approach of incorporating functional imaging in our multidisciplinary carepath and how we think we can use it to improve surgical decision making and treatment outcomes. Last June we reached out to all centers identified to use functional imaging in pituitary disease and we made first steps to prepare a guidance document for the use of these scans in pituitary expert teams.