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Pituitary gland: development, normal appearances, and magnetic resonance imaging protocols
1Department of Radiology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine at Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7510, USA. Castillo@med.unc.edu
Topics in Magnetic Resonance Imaging : TMRI
|June 21, 2006
Summary
This review covers pituitary gland anatomy, development, and imaging for radiologists. It details normal MRI appearance, vascular structures, and enhancement patterns, aiding in identifying variations and incidental findings.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Neuroanatomy
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- The pituitary gland is a crucial endocrine organ with complex anatomy.
- Radiologists require detailed knowledge of pituitary gland anatomy for accurate diagnosis.
- Understanding developmental aspects is key to interpreting imaging findings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive review of normal pituitary gland anatomy.
- To familiarize radiologists with the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) appearance of the pituitary gland.
- To discuss normal variations, incidental findings, and appropriate imaging protocols.
Main Methods:
- Review of anatomical literature and embryological development.
- Description of anterior and posterior pituitary lobe anatomy.
- Analysis of surrounding and vascular structures of the pituitary gland.
Main Results:
- Detailed description of the normal pituitary gland's anatomical structures.
- Explanation of age-related changes in pituitary gland appearance.
- Characterization of normal contrast enhancement patterns on MRI.
- Discussion of common pituitary variations and incidental conditions.
Conclusions:
- Familiarity with normal pituitary anatomy and imaging is essential for radiologists.
- Understanding variations and incidental findings improves diagnostic accuracy.
- Standardized imaging protocols ensure comprehensive evaluation of the pituitary gland.
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