What is pituitary protocol?

MRI protocol for pituitary gland is a group of MRI sequences put together to improve sensitivity and specificity for the assessment of lesions of the pituitary gland (e.g. pituitary adenoma) and other sellar and suprasellar abnormalities (check the article on pituitary region masses for some examples).

Can a CT pick up a pituitary tumor?

Computed tomography (CT) scan CT scans can find a pituitary adenoma if it’s large enough, but MRI scans are used much more often to look at the brain and pituitary gland.

Can meningioma affect pituitary gland?

Suprasellar meningioma arises from the base of the skull near the pituitary gland and the optic nerve. Tumors in this area can cause visual problems and dysfunction of the pituitary gland.

Is CT or MRI better for meningioma?

MRIs may create more detailed pictures than CT scans (see below) and often show changes in the brain caused by the tumor, such as swelling or areas where the tumor has grown. MRI is the preferred way to diagnose meningioma.

Is contrast necessary for pituitary MRI?

The use of brain and pituitary MRI with and without contrast is still the recommended imaging modality based on the recent consensus guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of pediatric GHD [27].

How do you scan a pituitary gland?

Contrast MRI is the only way to adequately evaluate the pituitary gland. For all pituitary lesions, MRI offers multiplanar capabilities and soft tissue contrast essential in detecting these lesions. The larger sella tumors pose no imaging problem.

What test are done to diagnose pituitary tumor?

MRI Scans. In an MRI, magnetic fields and radio waves are used to create computerized, three-dimensional images of the body. A doctor performs an MRI of the head to determine if a pituitary tumor is present. This scan can also help doctors determine whether a pituitary tumor is growing into nearby tissue.

Is a pituitary tumor a meningioma?

Meningiomas are benign tumors (usually) that can arise near the pituitary gland in addition to many other locations in the brain.

What is pituitary meningioma?

Pituitary adenoma and meningioma are the most common benign tumors in the central nervous system (CNS); pituitary adenomas represent a heterogeneous group of extra-axial neoplasms that collectively comprise approximately 13% of all intracranial tumors with an incidence of approximately 3 per 100,000 [1, 2].

Can you see a meningioma on a CT scan?

To diagnose a meningioma, a neurologist will conduct a thorough neurological exam followed by an imaging test with contrast dye, such as: Computerized tomography (CT) scan. CT scans take X-rays that create cross-sectional images of a full picture of your brain.

Can a CT scan detect a meningioma?

CT Scans. Meningiomas, whether benign or malignant, can invade the skull. If after an MRI, doctors suspect a tumor is affecting the bone, they may order a CT scan, which is often better at detecting changes in bone than other imaging tests are.