Thin-slice three-dimensional gradient-echo magnetic resonance imaging of the pituitary gland in healthy dogs.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate thin-slice 3-dimensional gradient-echo (GE) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the pituitary gland in healthy dogs.


METHODS
11 healthy dogs.


METHODS
By use of a 0.2-Tesla open magnet, MRI of the skull was performed with T1-weighted GE sequences and various protocols with variations in imaging plane, slice thickness, and flip angle before and after administration of contrast medium; multiplanar reconstructions were made. The pituitary region was subjectively assessed, and its dimensions were measured. Image quality was determined by calculation of contrast-to-noise and signal-to-noise ratios.


RESULTS
Best-detailed images were obtained with a T1-weighted GE sequence with 1-mm slice thickness and 30 degrees flip angle before and after administration of contrast medium. Images with flip angles > 50 degrees were of poor quality. Quality of multiplanar reconstruction images with 1-mm slices was better than with 2-mm slices. The bright signal was best seen without contrast medium. With contrast medium, the dorsal border of the pituitary gland was clearly delineated, but lateral borders were more difficult to discern.


CONCLUSIONS
MRI of the canine pituitary gland with a 0.2-Tesla open magnet should include a T1-weighted GE sequence with 1-mm slice thickness and flip angle of 30 degrees before and after administration of contrast medium. The neurohypophysis was best visualized without contrast medium. The MRI examination permitted differentiation between the pituitary gland and surrounding structures.
van der Vlugt-Meijer
Roselinda H
RH
Division of Diagnostic Imaging, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3508 TD Utrecht, The Netherlands.
Meij
Björn P
BP
Voorhout
George
G
D000818:Animals; D003287:Contrast Media; D004285:Dogs / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D017352:Echo-Planar Imaging; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D010902:Pituitary Gland / Q000648:ultrastructure*
D003287:Contrast Media