Imaging

Question 1

What is the only ideal imaging modality for pituitary gland?

Answer 1

MRI

Question 2

What are 3 sequences of MRI imaging of the pituitary gland?

Answer 2

1) T1-weighted sequence (water in black)
2) T2-weighted sequence (water in white)
3) T1-weighted post-contrast sequence (contrast in blood vessels)

Question 3

How do we identify where and when a pituitary gland is abnormal?

Answer 3

Ovoid structure within pituitary fossa
- normally sits well within the Sella turcica (concavity within sphenoid bone)
- normal size will not extend beyond sella turcica

Question 4

A normal posterior pituitary appears as a bright spot on the ____________ sequence.

Answer 4

T1-weighted sequence

Question 5

What is the only sequence that can divide the anterior and posterior pituitary gland?

Answer 5

T1-weighted sequence

Question 6

The pituitary gland is connected to the brain via the ____________ which is best seen in which sequence?

Answer 6

Via Infundibulum stalk
- best seen in T1-weighted post-contrast sequence

Question 7

What does a snowman sign indicate in a pituitary gland MRI?

Answer 7

Pituitary macroadenoma (enlarged pituitary gland)
- can compress on (i) hypothalamus (ii) optic chiasm (iii) mammary bodies

Question 8

What is the ideal imaging modality for parathyroid scans?

Answer 8

Technetium-99m sestamibi (or MIBI) CT