MRI Pituitary /sella

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

• 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

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.

• 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

• Pituitary adenomas (prolactinoma, somatotroph, corticotroph)
• Empty sella syndrome
• Craniopharyngioma & Rathke-cleft cyst
• Hypophysitis (autoimmune swelling)
• Metastasis to pituitary stalk

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

1. Change into cotton gown; locker for valuables.
2. Lie head-first; soft head-coil clicks in place.
3. Earphones for music & two-way talk.
4. Contrast injected through IV line if ordered (takes 10 s).
5. Scan runs 15–20 minutes; keep still, breathe normally.
6. Technologist checks images; IV removed.
7. Collect report & CD within 2 hours.

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?

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