MRI PITUITARY /SELLA
Also Known As
SENIOR
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FAMILY
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Certified Labs
NABH Accredited
Reports in
6hrs
Measures
No description available
Identifies
No identification information available
About The Test
Quick facts about the scan
- 100 % non-invasive, no radiation
- 3-Tesla magnet = 0.6 mm slice thickness
- Contrast dye (when needed) is MRI-specific and kidney-safe
- Report ready within 2 hours
- Insurance cashless approved
Why Cadabams Diagnostics
- 30+ years of trusted imaging in South India
- On-site endocrine radiologists for instant reads
- Flexible slots: 7 am – 10 pm, including Sundays
- Dedicated MRI coaches for claustrophobic patients
List of Parameters
- Pituitary gland height (normal 3–8 mm females, 3–6 mm males)
- Sella turcica volume & floor integrity
- Stalk position (midline shift?)
- Optic chiasm thickness & angle
- Cavernous sinus invasion score
- Post-operative residual tissue measurement
Why This Test
Hormonal imbalance evaluation
Prolactin, GH, ACTH, TSH levels not matching symptoms? Scan first.
Visual field defects
Bitemporal hemianopia often means the gland is pressing the optic nerves.
Follow-up post-treatment
Track tumour shrinkage after medicine or surgery every 6–12 months.
When to Take Test
Benefits
Benefits of Taking the Test
- Non-invasive high-resolution imaging—no hospital stay
- Early detection of micro-adenomas before they cause blindness
- Guides endocrine therapy: drug vs surgery decision made faster
- Reduces unnecessary exploratory operations
Illnesses Diagnosed with MRI Pituitary / Sella
- Pituitary adenomas (prolactinoma, somatotroph, corticotroph)
- Empty sella syndrome
- Craniopharyngioma & Rathke-cleft cyst
- Hypophysitis (autoimmune swelling)
- Metastasis to pituitary stalk
Preparing for test
Instructions
- Remove all metal: jewellery, hairpins, hearing aids
- 4-hour fast only if contrast is planned
- Bring prior hormone lab reports
Prerequisites
- Latest serum creatinine (contrast safety)
- Pregnancy test if menstruating female
Best time to schedule
Morning slots reduce waiting; hormonal blood draws can be done same day before 11 am.
Eligibility
- Pregnancy: 2nd & 3rd trimester allowed with doctor’s note
- Claustrophobia: open-bore 70 cm wide magnet available; mild sedation optional
Procedure for Taking a MRI Pituitary / Sella
- Change into cotton gown; locker for valuables.
- Lie head-first; soft head-coil clicks in place.
- Earphones for music & two-way talk.
- Contrast injected through IV line if ordered (takes 10 s).
- Scan runs 15–20 minutes; keep still, breathe normally.
- Technologist checks images; IV removed.
- Collect report & CD within 2 hours.
Caution Before Taking the Test
Contrast allergy protocols
Inform staff about previous shellfish or gadolinium rash; we pre-medicate with antihistamines.
MRI compatibility check
Fill safety form: any pacemaker, insulin pump, shrapnel, tattoos >5 years old?
Test Results
MRI Pituitary – Common Findings and Interpretation
| Finding / Observation | Generalized Description Example | General Interpretation / Significance |
|---|---|---|
| 4 mm hypoenhancing focus | micro-adenoma | May raise prolactin; start cabergoline |
| Post-surgical cavity, no residual | complete resection | Continue hormone replacement |
| Sella turcica enlarged, CSF herniation | empty sella | Often benign; check BP & vision yearly |
| Stalk thickened, homogenous | hypophysitis | Rule out autoimmune disease |
| Suprasellar calcified mass | craniopharyngioma | Needs neurosurgery referral |
| Cavernous Sinuses | Both cavernous sinuses are clear." "Mass extends into left cavernous sinus; possible carotid encasement. | Normal = no tumor extension. Invasion into cavernous sinus may affect cranial nerves (III, IV, V1, V2, VI) or internal carotid artery, often seen in invasive macroadenomas. |
Risks & Limitations
MRI safety considerations
- No radiation; safe in pregnancy after 1st trimester if clinically urgent
- Contraindicated with cardiac pacemakers, cochlear implants, certain aneurysm clips
Image clarity limitations
- Micro-lesions <2 mm may still hide; repeat scan with contrast or PET can help
- Patient movement blurs pictures—our technologist coaches you through breath-holds
FAQs
Is the contrast dye safe for kidneys?
Yes—gadolinium we use is macrocyclic and cleared quickly; still, we check creatinine.
Can children undergo this scan?
Yes, above age 5 without sedation; younger kids need short anaesthesia.
How often should I repeat the scan?
Stable micro-adenoma: every 12 months; post-surgery: 3–6 months as advised.
Will my insurance cover it?
Most policies cover pituitary MRI when ordered by a specialist; we offer cashless helpdesk.
What if I feel claustrophobic mid-scan?
Squeeze the bulb provided; technologist pauses and slides you out in 20 seconds.
Why is an MRI specifically needed for the pituitary gland or sella turcica, and not another type of scan?
An MRI Pituitary/Sella is specifically ordered because MRI technology provides superior soft tissue contrast and anatomical detail of the pituitary gland and the complex surrounding brain structures compared to other imaging modalities like X-rays or CT scans. This high level of detail is essential for detecting subtle abnormalities, small tumors (microadenomas), and inflammation within or around this very small but critical gland, making it the gold standard for imaging the pituitary region.