T1W HYPERINTENSE SIGNAL ON MRI OF POSTERIOR PITUITARY GLAND – NORMAL DIMENSIONS IN OUR POPULATION

Kamran Burki; Khalil Hussain; Aasma Nudrat Zafar; Faryal Asmat; Kiran Fatima Farooq; Najia Hussain Rizvi

doi:10.46903/gjms/24.1.2236

T1W HYPERINTENSE SIGNAL ON MRI OF POSTERIOR PITUITARY GLAND – NORMAL DIMENSIONS IN OUR POPULATION

Kamran Burki, Khalil Hussain, Aasma Nudrat Zafar, Faryal Asmat, Kiran Fatima Farooq, Najia Hussain Rizvi

Abstract

Background: Pituitary gland is one of the most important gland of the body. The posterior part of pituitary gland depicts a bright spot, seen on T1W sequence. Studies show that the presence of vasopressin and T1 shortening effect, bright spot is depicted in posterior pituitary. Less commonly but absent or ectopic pituitary can also be observed. The aim of this study was to assess normal craniocaudal and anteroposterior dimensions of the posterior pituitary bright spot on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Materials & Methods: It was retrospective study conducted in Radiology Department of Fauji Foundation Hospital, Rawalpindi. Duration is from January, 2022 to September, 2022. Total 499 patients with normal pituitary MRI studies were selected for the study. The dimensions of posterior pituitary bright spot were assessed on non-contrast sagittal T1WI. Anteroposterior and craniocaudal dimensions were noted.

Results: Posterior pituitary bright spot (PBBS) was identified in 98.4 % of the patients with normal pituitary glands. In 1.6 % of patients (n=8) there was absence of posterior pituitary bright spot. Mean (±SD) dimensions of PBS size in craniocaudal dimension were 5.17 ±1.20 mm (range 1.7 – 8.4 mm). Mean (±SD) dimensions in anteroposterior dimension were 2.21±0.59 mm (range 0.5 – 4.4 mm). There is a direct relation in craniocaudal dimension and anterior posterior dimension of posterior pituitary bright spot.

Concluson: Pituitary bright spot is a normal finding in brain MRI. By identifying the normal range, it is hoped that pathology of the pituitary gland can be more easily recognized. In case of its absence, ectopic or pathological pituitary gland must be identified.

Keywords

Bright spot; Dimensions; Magnetic resonance imaging; Pituitary gland; Vasopressin.

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.46903/gjms/24.1.2236