MRI of the pituitary gland or brain - which method of examination is preferable to identify pathological changes in the pituitary gland? The question is logical, since this gland in the brain (on its lower surface) is visualized during examination of the latter. However, due to differences in indications and protocols, these MRI options cannot be identified.
What is an MRI examination of the pituitary gland or brain?
MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) of the pituitary gland, brain or any other organ is a highly informative diagnostic method based on interaction magnetic field and hydrogen atoms contained in the tissues being studied. Visualization of the examined anatomical structures using magnetic resonance technology is not associated with radiation exposure, therefore it is considered safer than radiography and computed tomography(or CT).
In the diagnosis of diseases of the central nervous system (central nervous system) magnetic resonance imaging plays a leading role, as it gives doctors information about soft tissue damage, neoplasms, and changes in the vascular bed. Based on the MRI results, specialists determine treatment tactics, and if surgery is indicated, choose the optimal surgical option.
Tomography of the pituitary gland or brain: reasons for the examination
The pituitary gland produces hormones that regulate important physiological processes, so when its functioning is disrupted, serious diseases develop: nanism, acromegaly, hypothyroidism, infertility, diabetes insipidus, obesity.
Most often, tumors (adenomas) and empty sella syndrome lead to pituitary secretory dysfunction. MRI is best suited for diagnosing these or other pathologies, and a similar procedure for analyzing the brain has a slightly different purpose.
When is it better to diagnose the brain or pituitary gland?
Brain research is used in cases where it is necessary to determine the cause of constant pain in the head, fainting, memory loss, progressive visual and hearing impairment, seizures, and paralysis. Also, using this method, you can study brain structures in different projections and diagnose the following pathological conditions with high accuracy:
- tumors;
- strokes;
- aneurysms and vasoconstriction;
- multiple sclerosis;
- bruises and displacements of brain structures.
Are the examination procedures different or not?
MRI of the pituitary gland differs from MRI of the brain in the object of study, indications, as well as general or technical parameters (projection, slice thickness, image resolution). Everything else is identical: a high-precision device with a closed circuit is used, a contrast agent is applied if necessary, the diagnostic process lasts 30-60 minutes, and contraindications common to all magnetic resonance methods can prevent it from being carried out.
Is it possible or not to replace MRI of the pituitary gland with magnetic resonance imaging of the brain?
MRI of the pituitary gland cannot be replaced by magnetic resonance scanning of the brain, or the information obtained will be uninformative. The pituitary lobes are small in size, so high-resolution images with minimal thickness are required to detect pathological processes in them. In such images, the doctor can examine the smallest adenomas (microadenomas), which are not visualized on overview images of brain structures.
The answer to the question, “Which is better: MRI of the pituitary gland or the brain?” is clear - it depends on the circumstances. Due to the frequent clinical need to study in more detail the area of the sella turcica or the pituitary lobes, diagnostic centers provide MRI of the pituitary gland as a separate service. Therefore, the doctor always has the opportunity to prescribe exactly what is indicated for the patient.
The brain is one of the main organs, which is a complex mechanism consisting of many structural components. The pituitary gland is an appendage of the brain located in the sella turcica. This is a hormone-producing endocrine gland that regulates the functioning of the entire body, including reproductive function. The organ has a round shape, its size is 3-5 mm in width and 6-8 mm in height. If there are problems in the pituitary gland, many vital processes are disrupted.
The study of the pituitary gland is a complex process due to the small size of the organ and the formations that arise in it. Thanks to MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), it is possible to diagnose the slightest changes in the pituitary gland and identify pathologies at an early stage of development. This is a modern, non-traumatic and accurate research method, which is widely used for diagnosis when many diseases are suspected.
Benefits of MRI of the pituitary gland
Not every diagnostic method can evaluate transformations in individual lobes of the pituitary gland. To see them, you need to get an image as close as possible higher resolution and minimum thickness. It is better that the cut is no more than 2-3 mm.
The main advantage of MRI of the pituitary gland is a detailed study of the organ without the use of invasive methods.
Other advantages of diagnostics:
- image clarity;
- no exposure to x-rays;
- the ability to identify even the smallest tumors;
- creating a 3D image of an organ;
- painlessness of the procedure;
- minimum contraindications.
Like any test, MRI carries certain risks that must be considered before undergoing the procedure:
- metal objects contained by the patient (implants, prostheses) may break during the examination;
- an allergic reaction to contrast is possible if MRI is performed with contrast;
- rare cases of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis due to large doses of gadolinium in the presence of renal impairment in the patient;
- the need to exclude lactation 1-2 days before the study using contrast.
On a note! MRI only provides images of the pituitary gland structures and nearby tissues. With other instrumental diagnostic methods, images of bone tissue and other components are layered, which makes the study less informative.
Indications and contraindications
MRI of the pituitary gland is prescribed for suspected destructive changes in the organ, as well as for disorders in the brain.
Indications for the procedure:
- Itsenko-Cushing syndrome;
- pituitary tumors and cysts;
- headaches of unknown etiology;
- dysfunction in the sexual sphere;
- visual disturbances;
- deviations in weight towards decrease or increase;
- gigantism or dwarfism;
- head injuries;
- abnormal levels of pituitary hormones detected in a blood test.
Although this type scanning is safe for human health; there are some contraindications for its implementation, both absolute and relative.
Absolute contraindications:
- the presence of metal implants or insulin pumps, a non-ferromagnetic hearing aid in the inner ear, a pacemaker, dental pins;
- weight more than 120 kg;
- 1st trimester of pregnancy;
- severe claustrophobia.
Relative contraindications:
- metal-free implants;
- heart failure;
- fear of confined spaces;
- increased neuropsychic excitability;
- children under 5 years old;
- pregnancy after 12 weeks.
Types of procedure
A standard MRI of the pituitary gland or using a contrast agent can be performed. Intravenous administration of paramagnetic contrast agents before the scanning procedure is recommended. The doctor calculates the dosage of the medicine based on the weight of the person being tested.
Contrasts with iodine are not used during MRI.
A specialist should determine how to conduct the examination. In most cases, an MRI with contrast is prescribed. Such a study provides a more reliable picture of what is happening in the pituitary gland, allows us to determine the contours of the tumor, its structure, and verify microadenomas.
Preparing to Scan
The patient does not require any special preparation. Before the procedure, he may be asked to wear special clothing. You can wear yours if it is free and does not have metal objects.
If the MRI will be performed with contrast, it is better to avoid eating a few hours before it. This is necessary to prevent the risk of nausea and vomiting from the effects of contrast. The doctor should have information about the presence or absence of an allergy to the contrast agent. If the patient has a history of chronic kidney disease, laboratory tests must first be performed.
In pregnant women, diagnostic testing can be carried out only for serious clinical indications. MRI with contrast is used for pregnant women in exceptional cases.
It is not allowed to enter the room where MRI is performed with the following items:
- decorations;
- watch;
- plastic cards;
- hairpins, pins, zippers.
Learn about symptoms in women, diagnosis and treatment of diseases.
The reasons for increased hemoglobin in men and how to lower the levels are written on the page.
Go to the address and read about methods for treating chronic pancreatitis of the pancreas at home.
Features of the event
While the device is operating, the subject must be alone in the room. The specialist directs the procedure from the next room via speakerphone. To ensure maximum immobility, the patient lies with his back on a special tomograph table, his head is fixed with a fastening. The table is placed inside the magnetic cylinder of the device until its frame is at the level of the study area.
If an MRI is performed on a child, there may be an adult in the room with him. Before entering, he must also free himself from all metal objects.
The duration of magnetic resonance imaging is about 30-60 minutes. This depends on how many sections of the pituitary gland need to be made, as well as on the brand of tomograph, and on the method of performing the procedure.
The computer processes the data received from the tomograph and forms the required number of images from them. When they are generated, the specialist evaluates the changes in the organ, prints the images or writes them to disk.
Decoding the results
What does an MRI of the pituitary gland show? Normally, a slice in the frontal plane has the shape of a rectangle. The lower contour is in the shape of a sella turcica. The organ in the frontal section is mostly symmetrical or slightly asymmetrical.
With empty sella syndrome, photographs show a thinned pituitary gland that is blurry along the bottom. In an anteroposterior section, the organ resembles a sickle with a thickness of no more than 2-3 mm.
Pituitary tumors detected by MRI:
- microadenoma (up to 1 cm);
- macroadenoma (1-3 cm);
- mesoadenoma - a tumor of 1-2 cm, limited to the area of the sella turcica;
- giant - more than 3 cm.
Tumors located in the sella turcica can grow into the ventricles of the brain and cavernous sinuses.
Indirectly, neoplasms of the gland can be indicated by:
- heterogeneous structure of the organ;
- asymmetry;
- deformation of the bottom of the sella turcica;
- shift of the funnel from the midline.
MRI of the pituitary gland is the most informative method for diagnosing the organ today. Thanks to it, it is possible to detect the slightest changes, the presence of tumor formations ranging in size from 4-5 mm. The procedure is painless, has a minimum of contraindications and side effects. average price MRI of the pituitary gland 4-6 thousand rubles, depending on the location, prestige of the diagnostic center, as well as the class and capabilities of the tomograph used.
In the following video you can see the procedure for performing an MRI of the pituitary gland:
One of the most important glands in our body is the pituitary gland. Disturbances in its functioning can lead to a number of serious diseases and irreversible processes, as it produces a complex of important hormones. MRI of the pituitary gland with contrast is the most common type of diagnosis, which is prescribed at the slightest suspicion of malfunction of this gland.
MRI diagnostician
Head of the department, Doctor of Medical Sciences.
And failures are expressed by symptoms that at first glance are not significant:
- headache,
- thirst,
- fatigue.
But if you ignore them for a long time, this is fraught with complications. The advantage of using MRI of the pituitary gland with a contrast agent is that the doctor makes a more accurate diagnosis and prescribes the most appropriate treatment at a particular stage of the disease. To carry out the procedure, a special dye is injected into the patient’s blood, which will help the doctor diagnose the cause of the patient’s poor health, in particular, a tumor.
When is it necessary to conduct an examination?
An MRI examination of the pituitary gland, including with contrast, is best performed at the first suspicion of the emergence and development of pathological processes, as well as after a head injury.
The procedure may be prescribed if:
Where to get an MRI of the pituitary gland in Moscow?
Below is a list of clinics with a description of how much diagnostics cost and what capabilities a particular center has.
MRI of the pituitary gland with contrast
Very often, doctors prescribe targeted MRI, that is, a contrast agent is used for diagnosis. Moscow is one of the cities where this research method is very popular. It makes it possible to confirm or refute a number of terrible diagnoses, including:
- apoplexy,
- cyst,
- adenoma,
- pituitary microadenoma.
In the early stages, MRI of the pituitary gland with a contrast agent makes it possible to detect all possible types of tumors and dead tissue. The examination shows the process of blood supply in the organs.
Where can I get an MRI of the pituitary gland with contrast?
Unfortunately, not all clinics have the ability to conduct contrast MRI scanning or scanning of obese people. You can contact the following medical centers:
- "Kuntsevo Medical and Rehabilitation Center under the scientific leadership of V. I. Dikul." In this institution, it is possible to do an MRI of the pituitary gland with or without contrast at a price of 5,500 rubles. A flexible system of discounts is provided, and profitable promotions are regularly held.
- "Open Clinic" Doctors here are ready to see patients around the clock. For MRI diagnostics, the Philips intera 1.5 t closed tomograph is actively used. Periodic promotions and discounts apply. An MRI of the pituitary gland with a contrast agent will cost 4,400 rubles.
- Treatment and diagnostic center "Kutuzovsky". Now there are many autumn promotions and discounts, including on MRI of the brain. A Philips 1.5t, a closed tomograph, was installed, on which an MRI of the pituitary gland with a contrast agent can be done for 4,400 rubles.
How do you prepare for the study?
If the diagnosis is carried out without a contrast agent, then it does not require any special preparation.
If an MRI with contrast is needed, the patient is asked not to eat 6 hours before the procedure, and the day before it is necessary to discuss with the doctor the presence of a predisposition to allergies; a contrast agent tolerance test is also possible.
Immediately before the procedure itself, everything metal must be removed from the body.
Duration of the procedure
The timing of an MRI varies depending on the problem being identified. Please note that the patient must not move during the entire session. The average duration of the process is 30 minutes. Variations from 20 to 60 minutes are possible.
Where can obese people go for an MRI of the pituitary gland?
It is best for a person who has problems with weight to go to a clinic where there is an open-type apparatus. MRI with and without contrast fat people will be done in the following clinics:
- "Kuntsevo Medical and Rehabilitation Center under the scientific leadership of V. I. Dikul." There is an open tomograph, which is designed for patients weighing up to 125 kg.
- Multidisciplinary medical center "Stolitsa". Here, an open Siemens magentom tomograph with 0.35t is at the disposal of patients 24 hours a day.
- MRI spectrum at the Sanmedexpert clinic. Using the Hitachi airis mate 0.2t open tomograph, not only obese people, but also children, whose age is not limited, undergo diagnostics.
- "Diagnostic center "MRI in Perovo"". An Az-300 0.31 t tomograph is installed here, which allows obese people to undergo examination. On this moment The promotion “Did more - paid less” is current, that is, a 15% discount is provided to everyone who has done 3 or more MRI examinations at the same time.
Thus, overweight people can be examined using an open tomograph in at least four Moscow clinics.
Indications and contraindications
Indications for MRI:
- Frequent and causeless headaches;
- Head injuries
- Suspicions of the development of Cushing's syndrome;
- Metabolic disease;
- Slowing metabolism;
- Eye problems;
- Visual impairment;
- Reproductive dysfunction in men and women;
- Increased levels of prolactin in the blood;
- Dishormonal disorders.
Contraindications for MRI:
- Pregnancy and lactation period;
- Childhood;
- Overweight;
- Allergic reaction to contrast agent;
- Claustrophobia;
- Epilepsy;
- Built-in metal and electrical appliances.
List of the best clinics with MRI of the pituitary gland
Any metro station Sokol (9) Shchukinskaya (8) Yugo-Zapadnaya (7) Tushinskaya (7) Molodezhnaya (6) Maryina Roshcha (5) Dynamo (5) Prospekt Mira (5) University (5) VDNKh (5) Novoslobodskaya (5) Mayakovskaya (5) October Field (5) Belyaevo (5) Park of Culture (4) Begovaya (4) Frunzenskaya (4) Vernadskogo Avenue (4) Paveletskaya (4) Kuzminki (4) Sokolniki (4) Tekstilshchiki (4) Belorusskaya (4 ) Volzhskaya (4) Krylatskoye (4) Kuntsevskaya (4) Otradnoye (3) Lyublino (3) Profsoyuznaya (3) Aviamotornaya (3) Kaluzhskaya (3) Novye Cheryomushki (3) Medvedkovo (3) Pushkinskaya (3) Kantemirovskaya (3) Kashirskaya (3) Serpukhovskaya (3) Polezhaevskaya (3) Voikovskaya (3) Petrovsko-Razumovskaya (3) Rizhskaya (3) Komsomolskaya (3) Kievskaya (3) Student (3) Airport (3) Sports (3) Academic (3) Dobryninskaya (3) Taganskaya (3) Troparevo (3) Konkovo (3) Elektrozavodskaya (2) Bibirevo (2) Slavyansky Boulevard (2) Nakhimovsky Prospekt (2) 1905 Goda Street (2) Trubnaya (2) Tsvetnoy Boulevard (2) Smolenskaya (2) Kropotkinskaya (2) Babushkinskaya (2) Nagatinskaya (2) Avtozavodskaya (2) Tulskaya (2) River Station (2) Skhodnenskaya (2) Ilyich Square (2) Rimskaya (2) Alekseevskaya (2) Planernaya (2) Dostoevskaya (2) Tverskaya (2) Kutuzovskaya (2) Krasnye Vorota (2) Volokolamskaya (2) Mitino (2) Pyatnitskoye Shosse (2) Savelovskaya (2) Cherkizovskaya (2) Shchelkovskaya (2) Vystavochnaya (2) Zhulebino (2) Baumanskaya (2) Semenovskaya (2) Timiryazevskaya (2) Vykhino (2) Maryino (2) Dmitrovskaya (2) Ryazansky Prospekt (2) Sukharevskaya (2) Marxistskaya (2) Polyanka (2) Mendeleevskaya (2) Pervomaiskaya (2) Pionerskaya ( 1) Filevsky Park (1) Borisovo (1) Shipilovskaya (1) Chekhovskaya (1) Enthusiastov Highway (1) Sviblovo (1) Izmailovskaya (1) Novokuznetskaya (1) Tretyakovskaya (1) Barrikadnaya (1) Krasnopresnenskaya (1) Perovo ( 1) Volgogradsky Prospekt (1) Rokossovsky Boulevard (1) Dmitry Donskoy Boulevard (1) Novoperedelkino (1) Myakinino (1) Strogino (1) Arbatskaya (1) Business Center (1) Lermontovsky Prospekt (1) Varshavskaya (1) Dubrovka ( 1) Proletarskaya (1) Altufyevo (1) Partizanskaya (1) Preobrazhenskaya Square(1) Novogireevo (1) Tsaritsyno (1) Orekhovo (1) Kitay-Gorod (1) Printers (1) Krasnogvardeyskaya (1) Nagornaya (1) Oktyabrskaya (1) Shabolovskaya (1) Cherepkovo (1) Kursk (1) Leninsky prospect (1) Yasenevo (1) Botanical Garden (1) Kolomenskaya (1) Volgogradsky Prospect (1) Preobrazhenskaya Sq. (1) Okhotny Ryad (0) South (0) By price By rating
Has your health started to fail: frequent headaches, blurred vision, decreased sexual function or disrupted menstrual cycle? To make a correct diagnosis, you need to visit a specialist who will most likely refer you to an MRI of the brain and pituitary gland.
Magnetic resonance imaging is a diagnostic that allows you to most accurately determine disorders of the structure of organs and tissues, any pathology and the cause of its occurrence.
Tomography of the brain, like the pituitary gland, helps to examine the area of the sella turcica. In the first case, the information obtained during the procedure is not enough, and the specialist may make a mistake when making a diagnosis.
MRI of the pituitary gland is a modern non-invasive way to determine the correct functioning of the organ. As a result of the examination, a three-dimensional image is obtained.
When examining the pituitary gland in this way, the following pathologies can be identified:
- developmental anomalies;
- inflammatory diseases;
- cysts;
- tumors;
- vascular dysfunction.
The difference between MRI of the brain and tomography of the pituitary gland is as follows: different examination objects, different indications and technical parameters (projection, slice thickness, image resolution). The rest is the same.
And also about why it is better to choose an MRI rather than an x-ray. In the second case, when taking a targeted photograph of the head using magnification, you can only see the cranial vault and the sphenoid bone. The pituitary gland is out of sight.
Open type device
People who suffer from claustrophobia or are overweight, as well as children, are recommended to have their pituitary gland examined using an open-type MRI.
Such equipment gives a feeling of space, and claustrophobia is quite rare. Devices of this type operate much quieter. The child and parents can see each other. In addition, thanks to the wide opening and strong table, high-resolution images are obtained even for people weighing more than 150 kilograms.
Hormones secreted by the pituitary gland
The anterior lobe of the organ includes:
- Thyroid-stimulating hormone. It is responsible for the functioning of the thyroid gland.
- Adrenocorticotropic hormone, it controls the adrenal glands.
- Somatotropic hormone promotes the formation of protein and is responsible for the growth of the body.
- Luteinizing - responsible for the functioning of the sex glands.
- Follicle-stimulating, it promotes the maturation of follicles.
The middle lobe of the pituitary gland includes:
- Melanocyte-stimulating hormones. Their functions are great: regulation of blood pressure, pigment metabolism, memory processes, cell growth. They are also responsible for the functioning of the stomach and intestines, the course of immune reactions, and cell division.
The posterior lobe includes:
- Antidiuretic hormone, which is responsible for kidney function and blood pressure.
Elevated prolactin
Prolactin is also a pituitary hormone. It is synthesized in the anterior lobe and immediately enters the blood. Prolactin has wide range actions, stimulates creative processes. There are many diseases that depend on its amount in the body. With him large quantities a malfunction occurs in the human body.
MRI of the pituitary gland with elevated prolactin is prescribed to determine the presence/absence of a tumor. An increase in this hormone leads to pituitary adenoma. It can only be detected with magnetic resonance imaging.
This is the safest way. A contrast agent is usually used. Thanks to it, the information content and reliability of the data obtained increases. The contrast agent settles in areas with increased blood supply. Layer-by-layer images are made from different sides and then combined into an overall picture.
An MRI examination of the pituitary gland is also prescribed for infertility. For patients with elevated prolactin, a scan will help rule out the presence of a pituitary tumor.
Magnetic resonance imaging allows one to observe pituitary microadenoma and the processes occurring in it without surgical intervention.
Indications and contraindications
Tomography of the pituitary process is prescribed for:
- frequent headaches;
- suspected Cushing's syndrome;
- increased activity of hormones of certain groups;
- disruption of the glands;
- deviation from normal weight;
- pronounced dwarfism or gigantism;
- pathology of the thyroid gland.
Although this type of scanning is not dangerous to human health, there are still contraindications.
The absolute ones include:
- the presence of metal and ferromagnetic implants;
- the presence of insulin pumps and pacemakers.
For relative ones:
- the presence of implants without metal parts and nerve stimulators;
- heart failure.
People suffering from obesity or claustrophobia should approach this procedure with caution.
How is the scan performed?
To examine the pituitary gland with an MRI, no special preparation is required unless contrast is used. But there are situations when it must be used.
If you need to have a procedure with contrast, you will have to not eat food for five hours before the scan. Now about the procedure itself:
- The contrast dose for each patient is calculated individually. It is administered to the patient using a catheter.
- The patient is placed in the apparatus. In order to prevent accidental movement of a person, it must be fixed.
- The scan begins. The duration of the examination without contrast is from 20 to 25 minutes. Using a contrast agent - from 40 to 45 minutes. During this time, the patient must lie still.
During the procedure, the doctor is in the next room. Monitors the condition of the pituitary gland on the monitor screen. After the procedure, the patient will be given an image and its transcript.
Doctor's report
Within an hour after the procedure, the specialist makes a conclusion. However, in difficult cases it will take a little longer.
The transcript describes in detail: shape, density, structure, size, localization of the gland and also the tissues surrounding it. Based on the results obtained, signs of disease or absence thereof are indicated.
Only the attending physician can make an accurate diagnosis. After receiving a description of the image, immediately go to a specialist. He will prescribe timely and correct treatment.
Can MRI be wrong? Most likely no. Only the doctor makes mistakes.
The main advantages of scanning the pituitary gland using a magnetic resonance imaging scanner include:
- possibility of three-dimensional examination;
- there are no foreign elements in the image;
- accurate diagnosis;
- no danger to the human body.
Normal condition of the pituitary gland
In order to correctly decipher the images, you should know what the pituitary gland looks like without pathologies. Five criteria are used for decoding.
- Location and form. The organ is located in the center of the sella turcica and has a bean-shaped shape. The upper edge is straightened or slightly concave. The lower edge follows the shape of the sella turcica. The frontal region is rectangular, the sagittal region is ellipsoidal. In the photographs the shape is symmetrical.
- Size. The transverse dimension is 14 millimeters (the same as the size of the sella turcica). In the anteroposterior lobe - 11 millimeters. The height along the mid-coronal plane is 8 millimeters. During pregnancy, the norm is 12 millimeters. Weight should not exceed 1 g.
- Contours. Clear, smooth.
- Density. Unchangeable, homogeneous.
Is it necessary to do an MRI of the pituitary gland? Only a specialist can answer this question.
What is MRI of the pituitary gland?
Magnetic resonance imaging allows you to obtain a three-dimensional image of the gland and detect changes in it that are not detected using other research methods. Scanning based on magnetic resonance technology is safe, since the patient’s body is not exposed to x-ray radiation, is painless and informative, especially when diagnosing diseases of the central nervous system, when examination of small brain structures is required.
MRI of the pituitary gland shows changes in the tissue of the gland, even if the affected areas are very small or their visualization is difficult. The pituitary gland is clearly visible, but if necessary, a specialist can prescribe a more detailed study.
Pituitary gland: what it is, description and functions
The pituitary gland is a small (up to 1 gram) gland located at the base of the brain. The hormones secreted by the pituitary gland are involved in the regulation of the entire endocrine system person. Disturbances in the functioning of the pituitary gland affect the functioning of the entire body, cause changes in development, and can cause obesity, infertility, and other pathological conditions.
Pituitary tumors, among which adenoma is the most common, are well identified using MRI, which allows timely treatment to begin.
Hormones secreted by the pituitary gland
Pituitary hormones regulate the functioning of the thyroid gland and adrenal cortex. They are responsible for the growth of the body and reproductive function. Excessive production of somatotropin by the pituitary gland can cause gigantism and acromegaly (excessive growth of limbs, facial changes). The pituitary gland is responsible for the production of prolactin, which regulates lactation in women, and oxytocin, which is responsible for labor.
The normal functioning of the pituitary gland determines the timeliness of the onset of puberty in adolescents.
When is it necessary to do an MRI of the pituitary gland?
MRI of the pituitary gland is prescribed for frequent headaches and progressive disorders in the functioning of the brain, for visual impairment of unknown cause, weight changes (for example, for obesity not caused by excessive food consumption and a sedentary lifestyle) and other painful conditions.
Indications
Traumatic brain injuries.
E rectal dysfunction in men.
Menstrual cycle disorders in women.
Increased activity of certain groups of hormones, including high levels of prolactin.
Suspicions of hormone-dependent diseases (acromegaly, Itsenko-Cushing syndrome).
Infertility.
Contraindications
There are few contraindications to the study. Absolute contraindications:
The presence of implants or electronic devices in the patient’s body, including a pacemaker, insulin pump, joint endoprosthesis, metal clips on blood vessels.
Pregnancy (all trimesters – for MRI with contrast, 1st trimester – for MRI without contrast).
Allergy to contrast agent.
The procedure is not performed if the patient weighs more than 120 kg, which is dictated by the technical requirements of the device.
Patients with heart, kidney, or liver failure should discuss with their doctor the feasibility of the study and possible risks if a contrast agent is to be used.
Advantages of the method
The main advantage of MRI is its high information content, the ability to study tiny structures that are poorly distinguishable with other neuroimaging methods. The small number of contraindications, painlessness and non-invasiveness of the procedure also speak in its favor.
Magnetic resonancetomography can detect pathological changes in the gland at their very beginning, including inflammatory processes, benign and malignant neoplasms, and changes in the vascular bed. High image quality makes it possible to identify microscopic areas of lesions.
How is MRI of the pituitary gland performed, how long does it take?
Special preparation is required only for MRI of the pituitary gland with contrast.
Before a routine examination, you will need to remove metal jewelry, hairpins, and watches. Wallets with credit cards, pens and glasses will also have to be left outside the room where the device is installed.
The patient is positioned on a movable table, which moves inside the tomograph for the examination. The entire study takes from 30 to 60 minutes, during which time you must lie still so that the results are not distorted (fixing belts may be used).
To make MRI of the pituitary gland more comfortable, it is recommended to use earplugs or special headphones, since the noise of the machine can cause discomfort.
Preparing for MRI of the pituitary gland with contrast
The procedure is carried out 5-6 hours after the last meal. A contrast agent based on gadolinium salts is injected into the patient’s vein half an hour before the start of the procedure; if necessary, the contrast can be injected dropwise throughout the entire examination.
The contrast medium usually does not cause serious side effects. There may be a metallic taste in the mouth and slight dizziness that goes away on its own.
Is it possible to perform an MRI of the pituitary gland during pregnancy?
MRI of the pituitary gland during pregnancy is performed according to strict indications and without the use of a contrast agent. In the first trimester, doctors avoid prescribing MRI for pregnant women, although there is no reliable data on the adverse effects of the magnetic field on the fetus. In the second and third trimester of pregnancy, it is performed unless there are other restrictions.
MRI of the pituitary gland: what does it show with increased prolactin?
Magnetic resonance imaging of the pituitary gland is often prescribed for elevated levels of prolactin in the blood. The fact is that high prolactin can serve as a sign of the development of a pituitary adenoma, a benign tumor that can cause disturbances in the functioning of the entire body, including endocrine diseases.
MRI with elevated prolactin shows the presence or absence of adenoma pituitary gland, other pathological changes in the tissues of the gland, allows us to identify the reasons for the increase in hormone levels. Timely diagnosis of adenoma allows you to avoid such serious consequences as infertility and loss of vision.
