Pituitary Gland MRI: Information & When To Get a Scan

If you have unexplained symptoms, such as abnormal hormonal levels, headaches, vision problems or irregular menstrual cycles, your doctor may recommend a pituitary gland MRI scan. Find out what a pituitary gland MRI involves and what conditions and abnormalities it can help to detect. Our guide also explains the benefits of a pituitary MRI and what is likely to be involved during the scanning process.

What is a Pituitary Gland MRI?

A pituitary gland MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is a specialised scan that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of the pituitary gland, a small pea-sized gland at the base of the brain, below the hypothalamus. Although it may be tiny, the pituitary gland plays a crucial role in creating and regulating essential hormones and other glands responsible for many body functions, including the stress response, how the reproductive organs work, and growth.

An MRI of the pituitary gland can help your doctor check the size, condition, and shape of the pituitary gland and its surrounding structures. This will help them identify any abnormalities or underlying conditions affecting the gland and its function. 

Appearance on an MRI 

On an MRI, the pituitary gland sits in a bony cradle-shaped structure called the sella turcica, just under the brain and above the sphenoid sinus, a pair of sinuses in the skull behind the eyes and nose. 

It’s divided into two parts; the anterior pituitary (front) and the posterior pituitary (back). On a type of image used on MRI called T1-weighted images, anterior pituitary tissue will appear uniformly grey (isointense), while the posterior pituitary will appear brighter. That’s because there is a much higher concentration of hormones in this area, creating a strong signal that the MRI will pick up. Signal intensity decreases with age as certain hormones reduce, so this area will appear brighter on pituitary MRI images with younger people and people who are pregnant. 

The oval-shaped pituitary gland also decreases in size with age and sex. It’s larger in children, teens going through adolescence and women in pregnancy, and can range from around 1.2mm to 8.5mm in width and 0.5mm to 4.4mm in height. 

What a Pituitary Gland MRI Can Diagnose

A pituitary gland MRI is a tool that can help your doctor diagnose a range of conditions and abnormalities, including:

Pituitary Tumours or Pituitary Adenomas

Pituitary tumours (adenomas) are almost always non-cancerous growths that can disrupt normal hormone production. On MRI, they will usually appear as distinct masses and you may notice that they are pressing on certain structures within the brain, including the part where the optic nerves cross (optic chiasm) and the blood vessels that supply blood to the brain and head (carotid arteries). Pituitary tumours can be tiny (microadenomas) or larger (macroadenomas). Knowing where they are by using an MRI can help your doctor plan your treatment. 

Cysts

Pituitary cysts, such as Rathke’s Cleft Cysts, are fluid-filled sacs that form in or near the pituitary gland. On MRI, they typically appear as smooth, round areas that don’t enhance with contrast dye. 

Craniopharyngiomas

Craniopharyngiomas are rare but benign tumours that can develop near the pituitary gland. On T2-weighted images, they often appear as mixed solid and cystic masses. They can affect hormone levels or vision.

Hypopituitarism

Hypopituitarism is a condition caused by the pituitary gland not producing enough hormones. Trauma to the head, infections, radiation or tumours can cause hypopituitarism. An MRI can help your doctor identify the cause by examining the gland and assessing it for damage or abnormal growths.

Pituitary Hyperplasia

Pituitary hyperplasia means the pituitary gland has become enlarged. On an MRI, this can look like a swollen gland without a clear mass. Hyperplasia can be caused by factors such as pregnancy, hyperthyroidism, tumours and certain medications. Like craniopharyngiomas, it can cause vision loss and affect the production of essential hormones.

Inflammatory Conditions

If the pituitary gland or stalk is inflamed, it’s called hypophysitis. Autoimmune conditions, infections, and other conditions can cause hypophysitis. On MRI, it mimics the appearance of a tumour and shows up with abnormal contrast enhancement. 

Pituitary Apoplexy 

Pituitary apoplexy is a medical emergency caused by bleeding (haemorrhage) or a loss of blood flow in your pituitary gland, causing sudden and severe headaches or a loss of vision. On MRI it will appear as a swelling in the gland. 

Sheehan’s Syndrome

Sheehan’s Syndrome or Sheehan syndrome is a rare condition that happens when a woman’s pituitary gland gets damaged from severe blood loss during childbirth. It’s also called postpartum pituitary necrosis or postpartum hypopituitarism (underactive pituitary gland), and it can cause symptoms including fatigue, low blood pressure and problems with breastfeeding. An MRI will show up signs of necrosis or shrinkage. 

How a Pituitary Gland MRI Works

A pituitary gland MRI uses strong magnetic fields to align hydrogen atoms in your body’s water molecules. Short bursts of radio waves temporarily disrupt this alignment. When the radio waves stop, the atoms return to their original positions, emitting energy as they do so. The MRI scanner detects this energy and uses it to create detailed images of the pituitary gland, allowing your doctor to check its structure and function. 

Different tissues release energy at different rates, allowing the MRI to distinguish between various types of tissue, such as normal pituitary tissue, cysts, tumours or other abnormalities. T1-weighted images are useful for checking the gland’s size and shape, while T2-weighted images can help your doctor see tumours or inflammation. 

If the person carrying out the MRI (radiologist) uses a contrast dye during your MRI, it can help to enhance the visibility of certain structures, such as the pituitary stalk, sinuses or arteries. This makes it easier to spot abnormalities or changes. 

A pituitary gland MRI is noninvasive and usually takes 30 to 60 minutes. Staying still during the scan is important to ensure the images are clear and accurate. If you’re claustrophobic or anxious, let your radiologist know. They can offer support or sedation to help you feel more comfortable.

Benefits

There are many benefits of opting for a pituitary gland MRI, including:

• It’s a non-invasive and painless procedure.

• There is no risk of radiation exposure.

• MRIs can produce high-resolution images that detect even very small abnormalities and differentiate between pituitary disorders.

• Your detailed results can help doctors plan your treatment more effectively. 

Risks & Side Effects

MRI is generally safe, but there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Some people may be allergic to the contrast dye used during the scan.

• Some people feel anxious or claustrophobic in the confined space of an MRI scanner. If this is the case, let your radiographer know. They can help you feel more comfortable with a sedative if necessary. 

• If you have metal in your body, such as a pacemaker, you may not be able to have an MRI.

How to Prepare for a Pituitary Gland MRI

Tell your doctor about any allergies, medications, or conditions like pregnancy. If contrast is used, you may need to fast for a few hours before the scan, but your clinician will inform you beforehand. 

The Procedure Explained: What to Expect

Remove Metal Objects

It’s important to wear clothing that’s easy to remove with no metal zips or buttons. Also, remove any hearing aids, jewellery, body piercings, hairclips or watches. MRI uses a strong magnet, so metal and electronic items can interfere with imaging or cause burns. 

Positioning

You’ll be asked to lie on a sliding table that moves into the MRI machine, which looks like a large tube. 

Apply Contrast if Needed

Sometimes, your radiologist may inject a contrast dye into your arm to highlight the pituitary gland and surrounding structures, such as the cavernous sinuses or internal carotid arteries. This is called post-contrast imaging.

Begin Scanning

The MRI machine will take images using T1-weighted and T2-weighted sequences. These help differentiate between normal pituitary tissue and any abnormalities. 

Hold Still During Procedure

You’ll need to stay still during the scan, which usually takes between 30 and 60 minutes.

Image Review

Once all the MRI images are taken, your radiographer will analyse them and send a report to your doctor.

What Happens After a Pituitary Gland MRI?

Once your MRI is over, you can resume your normal activities at home or work. Your doctor will review the results and discuss any findings with you. If you need further treatment, they’ll explain why and what that might include, such as medication, surgery or further testing. 

Costs

A private pituitary gland MRI usually costs around £300 in the UK. However, prices may range from around £200 to £500 depending on where you live in the UK and which facility you choose to have your MRI at. 

Get a Pituitary Gland MRI

If you’re worried that you or a loved one have symptoms that may be caused by a problem with the pituitary gland, you can book a private MRI scan today. If you’re unsure whether an MRI is suitable for you, one of our expert clinicians is available for a personalised consultation. They can discuss your symptoms and concerns and help you decide what to do next.

FAQs

Why Would I Need an MRI of the Pituitary Gland?

A pituitary gland MRI is a key scanning procedure to help diagnose any issues with this small but vital gland. It controls many of your body’s hormones that are essential for growth, fertility and blood pressure regulation. 

Your doctor may recommend a pituitary gland MRI if you have symptoms like unexplained headaches, vision changes, or hormonal imbalances that could be causing irregular periods, infertility, or weight changes. It can detect conditions like pituitary tumors (adenomas), cysts, pituitary apoplexy (bleeding into the gland), or hypopituitarism (low hormone production). 

The scan provides detailed images of the gland and surrounding structures, such as the optic chiasm and cavernous sinuses, helping doctors pinpoint the cause of your symptoms and plan your treatment more effectively.

How Long Does an MRI of the Pituitary Gland Take?

A pituitary gland MRI usually takes around 30 to 60 minutes, depending on whether your radiologist is using contrast dye. You’ll lie on a sliding table that moves into the MRI machine, and you may have padding around your head to keep it still for clearer images. Staying still is crucial for accurate results. If you’re claustrophobic, let your healthcare team know, though. They can offer strategies to help, such as playing music, providing a mirror to see outside the machine, or prescribing a mild sedative to help you relax.

How to Order an MRI of the Pituitary Gland? 

If you’re experiencing symptoms that might be linked to a pituitary gland issue, you can book a private MRI scan today. Unsure if an MRI is right for you? Our expert clinicians are available for a personalised consultation to discuss your symptoms, address your concerns, and guide you on the best next steps. Whether you need clarity on your condition or a referral for further testing, we’re here to help you make informed decisions about your health.

Sources

Korbonitis, M., et al. Consensus guideline for the diagnosis and management of pituitary adenomas in childhood and adolescence: Part 1, general recommendations. (2024). https://www.nature.com/articles/s41574-023-00948-8

Langlois, F., et al.  Hypophysitis, the Growing Spectrum of a Rare Pituitary Disease. (2021). https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8684465/

What Are Pituitary Tumors? (2022). https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/pituitary-tumors/about/what-is-pituitary-tumor.html

Pituitary Gland. (2022). https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/21459-pituitary-gland

Pituitary MRI: What to Expect and How to Prepare. (2022). https://www.massgeneral.org/children/pituitary-tumors/mri-what-to-expect

Posterior pituitary bright spot. (2025). https://radiopaedia.org/articles/posterior-pituitary-bright-spot?lang=gb