MRI of the pituitary gland at the VITAMED MEDICAL clinic

Radiologist of the highest category at the VITAMED MEDICAL clinic, candidate of medical sciences Tatyana Anatolyevna Zasteba will introduce you to an article on the topic - magnetic resonance imaging of the pituitary gland (MRI of the pituitary gland).

The pituitary gland is a small gland located in the fossa of the sella turcica, which controls the functioning of most of the endocrine glands of the body, secreting a number of special hormones.

The pituitary gland has two parts: the anterior one - the adenohypophysis, which occupies 70-80% of the total mass of the gland, and the posterior one - the neurohypophysis. Both lobes have different origins, structures and blood supply, and secrete different hormones.

The adenopituitary gland secretes adrenocorticotropic (ACTH), thyroid-stimulating (TSH), somatotropic (GH), follicle-stimulating (FSH), luteinizing (LH) and lactotropic (prolactin) hormones.

The neurohypophysis secretes oxytocin and antidiuretic hormone (vasopressin).

Various pathological processes in the pituitary gland can lead to an excess or lack of secretion of these hormones, and, accordingly, a variety of endocrine disorders.

When is an MRI of the pituitary gland prescribed?

For the following indications, you should definitely undergo this study:

- headaches

- infertility

- menstrual irregularities

-increased results of tropic hormones in the blood

-discharge from the mammary glands

overweight

-decrease in visual acuity

- erectile dysfunction

- suspicion of dwarfism or gigantism

Contraindications for MRI of the pituitary gland

There are contraindications to the procedure, which are divided into two types: absolute and relative.

Absolute contraindications to MRI:

-the patient has electronic middle ear implants

-metal implants

-installed pacemaker

- hemostatic clips in the vessels of the brain

-presence of Ilizarov apparatus

-the patient’s body weight exceeds 120 kg (this is the load limit on the tomograph table)

- incompatibility of the patient’s waist circumference with the diameter of the MRI machine, i.e. more than 70 cm (the solution in such a situation is considered to be a procedure using open-type MRI tomographs with low magnetic field strength)

Relative contraindications to MRI:

-presence of nerve stimulants

-insulin pumps

- artificial heart valves

-claustrophobia (fear of closed spaces) in the patient

-first trimester of pregnancy

-inadequate condition of the patient (psychomotor agitation, or panic attack, as well as alcohol or drug intoxication)

- the patient has decompensated heart failure

- inability to maintain a stationary position (as a result of severe pain)

-the need for constant monitoring of vital signs (such as blood pressure, ECG and respiratory rate), as well as constant resuscitation measures (artificial respiration, etc.)

In addition to the above-mentioned points in which MRI is prohibited or difficult, the presence of tattoos that were painted with special metal-containing dyes is also considered a contraindication to the procedure. If the patient’s medical history indicates surgical operations involving the introduction of foreign bodies, i.e. implants, then a certificate for the implemented material on the safety of magnetic resonance imaging is required. Contrary to popular belief, breastfeeding, menstruation, and the presence of an intrauterine device are not contraindications for MRI diagnostics.

During pregnancy, MRI of the pituitary gland is performed in exceptional cases; examination with a contrast agent is prohibited.

Features of MRI of the pituitary gland

Given the small size of the gland, MRI of the pituitary gland is performed together with the surrounding area. In order for information about the patient’s health to correspond to reality and make it possible to establish an accurate diagnosis, images of maximum resolution are needed, which is why the results of an examination of the pituitary gland differ from the results of an examination of the brain.

Before the procedure, the patient must remove all metal products, as they may heat up under the influence of the device. This applies to piercings and metal prostheses.

If an MRI with intravenous administration of a contrast agent is planned, a catheter is installed in the vein and 10.0 or 20.0 ml of Magnilek is injected (depending on the purpose of the study). The contrast is administered intravenously as a bolus, with dynamic contrast directly during the procedure.

Throughout the entire examination, the patient must remain motionless; for this purpose, the head is fixed;A specialized coil is applied. Typically, the duration of an MRI of the pituitary gland is 10 minutes.

Safety of MRI of the pituitary gland for the body

To date, there are no negative consequences of the procedure.

For children who are fearful or hyperactive, anesthesia is recommended.

What does a radiologist's description contain?

A detailed description of all structures of the chiasmal-sellar region, the size of the pituitary gland, if there is a formation - its localization, structure, extent, relationship with surrounding structures.

In the detection of pituitary microadenomas, intravenous dynamic contrast plays an important role. It helps to reliably differentiate the pathological process if a microadenoma is suspected during a “native” study.

If there is an MRI picture of a microadenoma, one should always take into account the data from the anamnesis, clinic and hormonal tests.

You can always ask any questions you are interested in by sending a request by email, or by contacting us by phone: info@vitamed.uz

(+998 71) 129-81-81

(+998 71) 129-82-82

Additional information: www.vitamed.uz Telegram channel - https://telegram.me/vitameduz

Ambulance – 1063, (+998 71) 129-00-03

Be healthy and take care of your loved ones!