CT characteristics of the normal pituitary gland

Fifty-three patients undergoing orbital computed tomographic (CT) scanning for symptoms and signs unrelated to the pituitary gland had coronal and sagittal reformations of contiguous 1.5 mm slices through the sella. Mean male gland height was 4.1 +/- 1.1 mm, mean female gland height was 4.4 +/- 1.4 mm; no statistically significant differences with age were identified. Pituitary glands were homogeneous in 58% and inhomogeneous in 42% of patients; 91.5% had flat or concave superior surfaces. Coronal and saggital CT reformations are felt to be important in the evaluation of the pituitary gland.