PITUITARY ADENOMAS EVALUATION USING MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING: A SINGLE-CENTER OBSERVATIONAL STUDY
Main Article Content
Keywords
Pituitary adenoma, microadenoma, macroadenoma, MRI, Dynamic MR
Abstract
Objective: To assess magnetic resonance imaging's (MRI) precision and efficacy in the early identification of pituitary adenomas.
Methodology: In this cross-sectional study conducted at Chandka Medical College Hospital, Shaheed Muhtarma Benazeer Bhutto Medical University, Larkana, Sindh, Pakistan, 70 patients suspected of pituitary lesions were examined using MRI. All subjects gave their informed consent, and ethical approval was secured. Patients underwent thorough clinical evaluations and laboratory tests to assess pituitary function and rule out contraindications for MRI. MRI scans were performed using a 1.5 Tesla unit, with a standardized protocol including pre-contrast and post-contrast T1 and T2-weighted images. Dynamic imaging was conducted following gadolinium contrast administration. The study aimed to correlate clinical findings with MRI results to enhance diagnostic accuracy and guide patient management.
Results: In a cohort of 70 suspected patients of pituitary lesions, comprising 38 males and 32 females, our study identified 43 cases (61.4%) of pituitary macroadenoma and 27 cases (38.6%) of microadenoma. Clinical presentations included headaches (30%), visual disturbances (25%), or a combination of both (33%), with a minority exhibiting acromegaly (1%) or various hormonal irregularities. MRI revealed diverse characteristics of macroadenomas, extending in size from 1.2 to 4.9cm, with predominant homogeneous signal-intensity (60.5%) and encasement of the infundibulum (83.7%). Additionally, microadenomas typically exhibited isointense signals on T1WI (81.5%) and ranged in size from 3 to 9 mm, with lateral localization in the majority (85.2%). Elevated prolactin levels were common in both macroadenomas (90.7%) and microadenomas (81.5%).
Conclusion: This particular research highlights the critical importance of MRI in diagnosing and treating conditions related to the hypothalamus and pituitary gland. Through its ability to provide detailed imaging and differentiate between various disorders, MRI plays a crucial role in guiding treatment decisions, whether surgical or conservative. Our study emphasizes the essential role of MRI in optimizing patient care and tracking treatment progress, demonstrating its significance in improving overall patient outcomes.
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Dr Kailash Kumar Daseja
Assistant Professor, Department of Radiology, Chandka Medical College Hospital, Shaheed Muhtarma Benazeer Bhutto Medical University, Larkana, Pakistan
Dr Din Muhammad Sohu
Assistant Professor, Department of Radiology, Chandka Medical College Hospital, Shaheed Muhtarma Benazeer Bhutto Medical University, Larkana, Pakistan
Dr Mohsin Hussain
Assistant Professor, Department of Radiology, Pir Abdul Qadir Shah Jeelani Institute of Medical Science, Gambat, Khairpur Mirs, Pakistan
Dr Daulat Ram
Consultant Psychiatrist, Mental health Counseling unit, Chandka Medical College, Larkana, Sindh, Pakistan
Dr Manoj Kumar
Senior Registrar, Department of Medicine, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Center, Karachi, Pakistan
Dr Mohammad Ali Naper
Assistant Professor, Department of Surgery, Chandka Medical College Hospital, Shaheed Muhtarma Benazeer Bhutto Medical University, Larkana, Sindh, Pakistan