IMPORTANT: We currently have a number of bugs related to image cropping and are actively trying to resolve them. In the meantime, we have disabled cropping. Apologies for any inconvenience. Stay informed: radiopaedia.org/chat

Pituitary microadenoma

Case contributed by Chris O'Donnell
Diagnosis probable

Presentation

Infertility with raised serum prolactin

Patient Data

Age: 30 years
Gender: Female
mri

Conventional imaging shows contour deformity of the left side of pituitary with minor heterogeneity in enhancement and minor stalk deviation to the right - indicative of a left sided tumor. It is only on the inital phase of the dynamic series that we see the true limits of tumor due to differential enhancement of the pituitary gland ie rapid compared with the tumor ie slow. Over time the density of both becomes equal ie washout of the pituitary and "filling in" of the tumor.

Case Discussion

It is essential when reviewing cases with "increased prolactin" that one obtain the actual level, as stalk effect (interruption of the tonic inhibition of dopamine on prolactin release) can moderately increase the level without a secreting adenoma being present. 

How to use cases

You can use Radiopaedia cases in a variety of ways to help you learn and teach.

Creating your own cases is easy.

Updating… Please wait.

 Unable to process the form. Check for errors and try again.

 Thank you for updating your details.