Abstract #2339

fMRI & Diffusion Tensor Imaging Biomarkers for Assessing Optic Pathway Structure & Function in Patients with Pituitary Tumours

Andrew David Nichols¹, Brad Moffat², Helen Danesh-Meyer³, Andrew H. Kaye⁴

¹Department of Surgery RMH/WH, the University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; ²Radiology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; ³Ophthalmology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand; ⁴Department of Surgery (RMH/WH), The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia

Pituitary tumours represent a significant proportion of intracranial tumours. Growth of pituitary tumours superiorly may cause compression of the optic chiasm and lead to visual failure or visual field deficits. This is potentially avoidable or reversible with surgical intervention. We have performed fMRI and DTI tractography on 7 patients with pituitary tumours to investigate the effects of pituitary tumours on the visual pathway. We believe that there is potential for fMRI and DTI biomarkers to improve and individualise the management of patients with pituitary tumours and influence timing of surgical intervention.