Pituitary magnetic resonance imaging experience in Jordan.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the pituitary findings as demonstrated on MRI and to compare the results with the data published in the literature.


METHODS
One thousand, one hundred and thirty-eight pituitary MRI`s with and without intravenous contrast media (gadolinium) were performed over 6 years from 2001 to 2007 in the Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Jordan University Hospital, Amman, Jordan. The patients were referred from various departments and were evaluated for pituitary, other sellar, and juxtasellar abnormalities. The results were compared with those in the published literature.


RESULTS
Four hundred and eight-three normal scans were excluded from the study. The remaining 655 were abnormal, pituitary adenoma was detected in 327 (49.9%), microadenoma was present in 213 (32.5%), and macroadenoma in 114 (17.4%). Partial empty sella was seen in 157 (24%), diffuse pituitary gland enlargement in 98 (14.9%), ectopic pituitary posterior lobe in 13 (2%), and other findings in 31 (4.7%).


CONCLUSIONS
The incidence of pituitary adenoma was equal in both genders; however, microadenoma was more common, affected a younger age group, and was predominately seen in females. The other parameters showed agreement with the published literature.
Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Jordan University Hospital, University of Jordan, PO Box 340621, Amman 11134, Jordan. Tel. +962 788707000. E-mail: amshadidy@yahoo.com.
Azmy M
AM
Hadidy
Dana G
DG
Jallad
Azmi A
AA
Haroun
Waleed S
WS
Mahafza
Kamel M
KM
Ajlouni