Pituitary region masses

Last revised by Francis Deng on 9 Jan 2025

Pituitary region masses include lesions in the sella turcica, suprasellar cistern, parasellar region include cavernous sinuses, and basisphenoid/clivus. Several mnemonics have been popularized, including SATCHMO.

A more comprehensive list includes the following, along with differentiating features:

See also

It is also helpful to consider differentials narrowed by pattern of MRI appearance. 

Cases and figures

  • Case 1: craniopharyngioma
  • Case 2: macroadenoma
  • Case 3: teratoma
  • Case 4: meningioma
  • Case 5: Rathke's cleft cyst
  • Case 6: aneurysm
  • Case 7: mucocele

Imaging differential diagnosis

  • Pseudo-pituitary enlargement
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