MRI of the pituitary gland (Turkish sella)

The pituitary gland is a small but extremely important gland that regulates the functioning of the endocrine system. Disturbances of its function can affect hormonal balance, metabolism, reproductive health, and overall well-being.

At the medical center “Oxford Medical”, MRI is performed on the new generation GE SIGNA™ Champion tomograph. The system is equipped with artificial intelligence technologies that optimize image processing and increase their clarity and detail. This makes it possible to assess the structure of the pituitary gland as accurately as possible and detect even minimal changes, which is especially important when microadenomas or hormonally active formations are suspected.

If you need to undergo an MRI of the pituitary gland in Kyiv, sign up for an examination at “Oxford Medical” at a convenient time for you — by phone or through the feedback form on the website.

Magnetic resonance imaging makes it possible to assess in detail the structure of the gland itself, its size, contours, and its relationship with adjacent tissues. The examination makes it possible to detect even small changes that may affect hormonal balance.

During the examination, it is possible to identify:

• pituitary adenomas and microadenomas;
• cysts and other formations;
• signs of inflammation;
• compression of the optic chiasm;
• changes in the structure of the sella turcica.

In more complex clinical cases, an MRI of the hypothalamic-pituitary region may be recommended for a more complete assessment of adjacent structures and their interaction.

If it is necessary to determine in more detail the boundaries of the neoplasm and the features of its blood supply, a study with contrast enhancement is performed.

Magnetic resonance imaging is considered a safe imaging method, since it is not associated with X-ray radiation. However, there are situations when the examination may be limited.

Absolute contraindications include:

• the presence of a pacemaker or an implanted cardioverter-defibrillator;
• ferromagnetic vascular clips;
• cochlear implants;
• metal foreign bodies, especially in the eye area;
• implants or devices whose compatibility with MRI has not been confirmed by the manufacturer.

Relative limitations may include:

• pronounced claustrophobia;
• a condition in which the patient cannot remain still;
• the first trimester of pregnancy (the examination is carried out only for justified indications).

If an examination with contrast enhancement is planned, kidney function is evaluated beforehand. In the presence of significant kidney function impairment, the administration of a contrast agent may be contraindicated.

Before scheduling the examination, it is important to inform the doctor about all implants, previous surgeries, and chronic diseases — this will make it possible to assess the safety of the procedure in each specific case.

Usually, no special complicated preparation for magnetic resonance imaging is required. The examination can be undergone without changes in diet or the intake of most medications.

If an examination with contrast enhancement is planned, the doctor may recommend having a blood test in advance to assess kidney function. On the day of the procedure, it is advised to refrain from eating for several hours before the administration of the contrast agent — this helps reduce the risk of discomfort.

Immediately before the procedure, all metal objects must be removed: jewelry, a watch, glasses, hearing aids. Clothing should not contain metal elements in the head and neck area.

During the examination, the patient lies on their back on a special tomograph table. The head is comfortably fixed with soft rollers so that it remains still — this is necessary to obtain clear images.

The table smoothly moves inside the machine, after which the scanning begins. During operation, the tomograph produces rhythmic sounds — this is a normal feature of the procedure. The examination is painless and does not cause discomfort.

The examination usually lasts 15–20 minutes. If the administration of a contrast agent is necessary, a series of images is first taken without the agent, then the contrast is administered and the scanning continues. In this case, the procedure may last up to 30–40 minutes.

An MRI of the pituitary gland for a child is performed in the presence of someone close to them. This usually makes it easier for the child to undergo the examination and lie still during the scanning.

After the scanning is completed, the radiologist analyzes the obtained images and prepares a written report. It describes the structure of the pituitary gland, its size, and the detected changes. If no pathological abnormalities are detected, it is indicated that the findings correspond to a variant of the norm. The results are given to the patient for further consultation with the doctor.

For an MRI of the pituitary gland, the price depends on whether it is performed in the standard format or with contrast enhancement. If there is no need for the administration of a contrast agent, the examination has a lower price. In cases when it is necessary to assess the structure of the pituitary gland in more detail or clarify the nature of the changes, an MRI with contrast is recommended — then the cost is somewhat higher, since the administration of the agent and the performance of additional series of images are required.

You can ознакомиться with the cost here. To sign up for an examination at “Oxford Medical”, call the contact center or leave a request on the website — we will help you choose a convenient time for you.