Magnetic resonance tomography of the pituitary in healthy women of reproductive age

Abstract

The results of MR tomography of the pituitary in 294 healthy women are evaluated. The size, shape, structure, and variants of the pituitary are analyzed and the diagnostic and informative value of MR tomograms in different projections are assessed. Magnetic imaging was carried out on a Siemens Magnetom Impact MR tomographer with magnetic field tension of 1 T. MR tomography in three projections of 2 mm sections in Tl-SE and T2-SE modes provides the optimal information about the pituitary and parasellar structures. The size, shape, and structure of the pituitary in healthy women of reproductive age vary within a wide range, which should be borne in mind when interpreting the data of MR tomography. The maximum vertical size in women aged 21-40 years is no more than 9 mm. The so-called indirect signs of pituitary microadenoma in various combinations are often detected in healthy women, and hence, their presence cannot serve as the only reason for the diagnosis.