The pituitary gland isn’t known as the “master gland” for nothing. As the control center of the endocrine system, this gland controls and regulates other endocrine glands in the body. It’s only crucial, then, to come up with the proper diagnosis for possible problems with the pituitary gland.
Conditions such as pituitary adenomas (or tumors) are characterized by symptoms like a gradual change in vision, weak muscles, and enlargement of the fingers, face, or forehead. Problems with the pituitary gland can quickly escalate into permanent vision loss and other symptoms associated with pituitary hormone deficiency or excess.
Using MRI for the Pituitary Gland
Physicians would recommend a patient to undergo an MRI scan if they suspect a tumor in the pituitary region. Generally, this will involve the use of view T1 and T1 post contrast images, along with dynamic contrast enhanced coronal images, to identify small microadenomas.
It’s important to determine the presence of small lesions and other abnormalities, as these can have a profound effect on patients. The resulting images will then be used to make a diagnosis, or if a patient suffers from conditions such as pituitary infraction, Sheelahn’s Syndrome, or Carniopharyngioma.
During an MRI scan, radiologists will look into the patient’s pituitary gland, particularly noting its size. Young adults often have larger glands compared to older patients, and hormonally active individuals have the largest glands. Based on the images produced by an MRI scan, physicians can then determine if something seems out of place with a patient’s pituitary gland.
The use of MRI is vital in a systematic approach to diagnose pituitary conditions. Patients suspected of suffering from possibly debilitating conditions should undergo an MRI to begin their journey towards recovery.
Sources:
Pituitary MRI (an approach), Radiopaedia.org
About the Pituitary Gland, EmpowerYourHealth.org
Glendale MRI Institute 