MRI of Brain & Skull

[28gauge]

Had an MRI of brain and skull several years ago for general neuro symptoms. No contrast, it was normal. Would this include an evaluation of the pituitary as well?

[nikko77]

hi,
     my friend got a thin posterior pituitary gland accdg.to her MRI,and she always got headaches...the GP said it's not normal,should be thick.Is there something to be alarm of?does she needs a surgery or something?thanks.

[Abhijeet Deshmukh, MD]

Hi.

The pituitary can also be viewed by a simple x-ray. Actually, the pituitary is not seen, but the place where this gland is situated can be seen as normal or abnormal.

Empty sells syndrome (ESS) is a radiological diagnosis. Sella turcica is a bony seat for the pituitary gland. Any pathology of the gland can show up as ESS.

Would you like to share any symptoms you may be having ?

Regards  

[28gauge]

Thank you, sir.

[Abhijeet Deshmukh, MD]

Hello.

Yes, you can still see the pituitary in the coronal section. It will be seen as a central mass. If there is any tumor, the pituitary will be seen as displaced.

Regards

[28gauge]

So even if the MRI was general, of the brain and skull, without any request for pituitary evaluation, the pituitary would be reviewed as part of the brain/skull evaluation?

[Abhijeet Deshmukh, MD]

Hello.

An MRI will show any pituitary abnormalities. In fact, MRI is preferred if we wish to screen the pituitary gland for any abnormalities.

Do you have any symptoms related to the pituitary ?

Regards