A pituitary gland MRI allows doctors to take a better look at the pituitary gland, the spine, and the brain and is typically used to check for tumours or masses. While this can sound scary, it is one of the best ways to diagnose you, catch any tumours early, and provide you with the care you need.
But what happens during a pituitary gland MRI, and how can you prepare for it? That’s what we are here to tell you! Our guide allows you to learn more about the MRI so there are no surprises when you attend your scan.
How Do Pituitary Gland MRIs Work?
A pituitary gland MRI works like other MRI scans but focuses purely on your pituitary gland, spinal cord, and brain. An MRI or magnetic resonance imaging scan uses a magnetic field and radio waves to take detailed images of your pituitary gland. These images are transferred from the scanner to a computer, where your doctor can analyse the images and provide you with a diagnosis.
The scan involves you lying in the MRI scanner, which looks like a long tube. It can feel quite cramped, and many people feel anxious before the scan. Pituitary gland MRIs take between thirty and sixty minutes, so make sure you tell your doctor beforehand if you are apprehensive about the scan to help them provide you with the best care.
Your pituitary stalk, posterior pituitary, and pituitary fossa can all be seen during the scan as we check for normal pituitary tissue and any signs of pituitary tumours.
Learn more about getting an MRI scan at Mermaid beach radiology clinic.
Why Might You Need A Pituitary Gland MRI?
A pituitary gland MRI is recommended by doctors for a few reasons, but usually to diagnose or assess pituitary tumours or other lesions. We have listed the common reasons pituitary gland MRIs are offered below:
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To detect and diagnose piquantly tumours
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To identify masses and their impact on soft tissue nearby
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To evaluate hormonal imbalances, looking at excessive or decreased levels of pituitary hormones
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To follow up on incidentalomas
A pituitary gland MRI might be recommended often if a tumour is found so that your doctor can continue to monitor its growth and impact on other soft tissue and organs nearby. As MRIs are safe and radiation-free scans, do not worry about being invited for multiple scans.
How To Prepare For A Pituitary Gland MRI?
You can prepare for a pituitary gland MRI like any other MRI scan. You can eat and drink as normal before the MRI and you should be able to take all medication as normal. There is minimal disruption to your day with a pituitary gland MRI and little preparation involved.
Before your scan, you will be given a hospital gown to change into and space to store your clothes and valuables. We recommend bringing as little with you as possible, so you don’t need to worry about any valuables during your scan. We ask that you remove all jewellery, piercings, and any other metal before the scan. Metal can heat up, move, an cause distortion to the scan, which can be very painful to you. Hip and knee replacements don’t tend to cause an issue, but pacemakers or other devices with long wires can cause issues. You will need to let your doctor know before the scan if you have any metal in your body so they can create the best diagnosis and treatment plan for you.
A contrast dye is sometimes used for a pituitary gland MRI, which will be given before your scan. This is usually done with an IV attached to one of your veins so that you might experience a little discomfort. You must let your doctor know if you have had an allergic reaction to contrast dye before so they can assess how to move forward. The dye makes soft tissue and other vessels more visible, helping doctors to accurately read your MRI scans and provide the right diagnosis.
What To Expect From A Pituitary Gland MRI
During The Scan
When you are changed into your gown and the metal is removed, you can begin the scan. You will lie back on an exam table just outside the MRI scanner. You are typically lying on your back for this, but your doctor might ask you to lie in a certain position. You need to stay still through the scan to prevent the images from blurring.
The table is slid into the MRI scanner, and the scan can begin. This can be very loud, as the machine hums and makes clunking sounds while scanning your body. This is nothing to worry about and headphones or earphones will be provided to you. We can also speak to you through the scan using a microphone and speaker in the scanner, guiding you through the process and keeping you calm.
A pituitary gland MRI lasts between thirty and sixty minutes, during which the machine will take images of your pituitary gland, sending them to the computer ready for analysis. It’s important that you tell us if you feel anxious at any point or before the scan, especially if you suffer from claustrophobia. We can offer support during the scan, and you might be able to get a mild sedative prescribed by your doctor to help keep you calm during the scan.
After The Scan
There is very little aftercare required after your pituitary gland MRI, and most patients can leave immediately after. You can return to work or school after an MRI and continue with your other usual tasks. If you need a sedative for the scan, you will need someone to drive you home while the effects wear off.
After your scan, we analyse the images to give you your diagnosis. You will either be given your results over the phone or invited back for a follow-up appointment. We try to provide results as quickly as possible, but during busy periods, you can wait up to two weeks. When you are given your results, we will discuss your treatment plan and answer any questions you might have.
What Are The Benefits Of A Pituitary Gland MRI?
The benefits of a pituitary gland MRI are outlined below:
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MRIs provide an accurate diagnosis of pituitary gland issues, including the size and location of tumours and any solid or cystic lesions. The accuracy helps you access the right treatment plan
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MRIs can show the relationship between your pituitary gland and surrounding structures, helping to spot small changes to the gland and give you an effective treatment plan
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MRIs do not use any radiation, making them a safe option for many patents
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MRIs help monitor changes before and after surgery and can help us accurately plan any surgery to remove tumours or lesions
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MRIs help to evaluate endocrine diseases, providing you access to the right treatment plan
What Are The Risks Of A Pituitary Gland MRI?
While MRIs are considered safe, there are some drawbacks you should be aware of, which we have listed below for you.
- MRIs are not recommended for women during the first trimester of pregnancy unless the need outweighs the potential risks
- MRIs can be dangerous for anyone with metal in their body, but they can sometimes be performed
- MRIs can cause anxiety, especially if you suffer from anxiety or claustrophobia
- MRIs can cause some discomfort, especially if an IV for contrast dye is used
Book Your Pituitary Gland MRI With Mermaid Beach Radiology
A pituitary gland MRI can seem scary, but there is nothing to be afraid of! The scan is quicker than you would think and allows you to return to normal life without spending weeks worrying about the results. Why not book your scan today?
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Need Contrast Dye For A Pituitary Gland MRI?
You don’t always need a contrast dye for your MRI. A contrast dye does make it easier to see your vessels and spot abnormalities, but we don’t always need to use the dye. If you have needed contrast dye for an MRI before you might need it again for this scan, but we will explore this option with you before your scan takes place.
Can I Eat And Drink Before A Pituitary Gland MRI?
Yes, you can eat and drink as normal before your MRI. This makes it easier to fit the MRI in around your daily schedule without worrying about missing meals or feeling hungry during the scan. You can also take all usual medication before the scan, ensuring it interrupts your day as little as possible.
Is A Pituitary Gland MRI Safe?
Yes, MRIs are considered a very safe treatment, so you don’t have anything to worry about! There is no radiation or harmful chemicals to worry about, and any contrast dye administered is safe for use. We will run through any potential risks before the pituitary gland MRI and answer any questions you have to put your mind fully at ease.
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