An MRI Study to Document Age and Sex Related Changes in Size, Volume and Shape of Pituitary Gland

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Abstract Body : Introduction
Dimensions of pituitary gland are highly variable, particularly its height and volume which vary according to age, gender, physiological conditions and race of an individual. The assessment of normal dimensions helps in delineating abnormalities of the gland.
Objectives-
1. To evaluate size, shape and volume of pituitary gland in normal subjects of different age groups and sex using MRI.
2. To establish sexual dimorphism for size and shape of gland.
Materials and methods: A retrospective study was conducted on 504 MRI obtained from the PACS system of the institute and divided as Group I (301 males) and Group II (203 females). Each group was subdivided in different age groups of 10 years each from birth (subgroups A, B, C, D, E). Mid sagittal section was selected to measure height and anteroposterior dimensions. Width was measured on the coronal section. The shape of superior surface of the gland was also noted.
Results: Height, anteroposterior length, width and volume showed statistically significant difference between age groups, for both males and females. Height increased gradually from birth to third decade of life for males and till second decade for females and decreased thereafter. The most common shape of superior surface was convex followed by concave and then flat in subjects from birth to third decade. Dimensions of gland were generally more in females than males but significant difference was not seen in all age groups
Conclusion: To conclude, size and shape of pituitary gland varied with age and sexual dimorphism was evident in certain age groups. Pituitary height shows a definite pattern, which justifies its use as a measurement marker for detecting abnormalities of the gland.