Magnetic resonance imaging of the pituitary gland (sellar region)
Pituitary MRI in Casablanca
The pituitary gland is a small gland, the size of a pea, located at the base of the skull in a bony cavity called the sella turcica. It controls many other hormone-producing glands. Pituitary MRI produces very thin slices of this region to look for a lesion, most often an adenoma (a small benign tumor), and to assess its relationship with the optic nerves, which pass just above it. It is also used to monitor a known lesion, under treatment or after surgery.
Duration, report and equipment
Duration
The exam itself usually takes 20 to 30 minutes.
Report turnaround
Report within 48 hours. In an emergency, during opening hours, the report is handed over immediately.
Equipment
GE SIGNA Prime 1.5 T
When is this exam needed?
- High prolactin level, with or without milk discharge from the breasts or menstrual disorders.
- Signs of excess growth hormone (acromegaly) or cortisol (Cushing's disease).
- Low levels of certain pituitary hormones found on a blood test.
- Narrowing of the visual field that may suggest compression of the optic nerves.
- Intense thirst and very large amounts of urine, raising suspicion of diabetes insipidus.
- Monitoring of a known adenoma, treated with medication or operated on.
How the exam is done
You lie on your back, with your head supported in the head coil. The images concern a structure only a few millimeters in size: keeping your head still is therefore essential, and you should avoid coughing during the sequences. A first series without contrast explores the region, then gadolinium is injected through a vein in the arm.
Most often, fast images are recorded during the injection itself: this is called a dynamic sequence. It follows the arrival of the contrast agent in the gland, which helps detect a very small adenoma, which enhances more slowly than normal tissue. The injection is painless; a brief cold sensation is possible. A few additional sequences complete the exam, then the catheter is removed.
Preparation
- Remove makeup, hair clips, hearing aids and metal objects.
- Continue your hormone treatments, unless your endocrinologist tells you otherwise.
- Bring your latest hormone test results and your visual field test: they guide the radiologist.
- Mention claustrophobia or any difficulty staying still.
Fasting
No fasting is needed, even if an injection is planned.
Contrast injection
A gadolinium injection is performed in most cases, often in dynamic mode, with images taken during the injection. The radiologist adjusts the dose; it is given through a vein in the arm.
Contraindications and precautions
- Pacemaker, defibrillator, neurostimulator or cochlear implant: compatibility to be checked before the appointment.
- Clip placed on a blood vessel in the past, or a metal fragment lodged in the eye.
- Insulin pump or glucose sensor (such as FreeStyle Libre): to be removed before the exam. Bring what you need to replace it or put it back afterwards.
- Current or possible pregnancy: please tell us. MRI is performed only if it is necessary, preferably after the first trimester, and without gadolinium unless absolutely necessary.
- Breastfeeding: please tell us. It is generally not necessary to stop breastfeeding after a gadolinium injection.
- Severe kidney failure or a previous reaction to gadolinium.
- Tattoos, permanent makeup or fear of enclosed spaces.
Documents to bring
- Prescription and letter from the endocrinologist
- Recent hormone tests and latest visual field test
- Previous pituitary MRIs and any surgical report
- List of your medications, particularly hormone treatments
- Recent kidney function test if kidney failure is known
- Insurance or mutual insurance fund card
Price and insurance coverage
The price of pituitary MRI takes into account the gadolinium injection, which is performed in most cases.
The center accepts coverage from insurance companies and the main mutual insurance funds. You submit the coverage request to your insurer or fund yourself. For AtlantaSanad and Sanlam, the center takes care of it.
No prices are shown on this site: Kenza gives you the exact price on WhatsApp, along with the coverage procedure for your situation.
Frequently asked questions
Why an MRI and not a CT scan?
The pituitary gland is very small and surrounded by bone. MRI distinguishes its tissues better and can show lesions of a few millimeters that CT does not see well. It also makes it possible to assess the optic nerves and nearby blood vessels, without X-rays.
My prolactin is high but the MRI is normal: is that possible?
Yes. High prolactin can have other causes, including certain medications, an underactive thyroid or the stress of the blood draw. A very small adenoma can also escape detection on the images. Your endocrinologist always compares the MRI with your test results.
Should I stop my treatment before the exam?
No, unless your doctor tells you otherwise. Follow-up MRI is used precisely to see how the lesion changes under treatment. Tell us the name of the medication and how long you have been taking it: this helps the radiologist compare with previous exams.
How often is the follow-up MRI repeated?
It depends on the size of the lesion, how it changes and your hormone levels. Your endocrinologist or neurosurgeon sets this schedule. Having your previous MRIs makes comparison easier: bring them to each appointment.
Pituitary MRI in Casablanca: how much does it cost?
The price of pituitary MRI takes into account the gadolinium injection, which is performed in most cases. The center accepts coverage from insurance companies and the main mutual insurance funds. No prices are shown on this site: Kenza gives you the exact price on WhatsApp, along with the coverage procedure for your situation.