J Korean Radiol Soc.  1995 Jan;32(1):21-23.

High Signal Intensity of Anterior Pituitary Gland on Tl-weighted MR Imaging in Normal Postpartum Women

• Kim MS
• Yang HS
• Chung IB

Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the signal intensity and size of anterior pituitary gland in postpartum women, and to compare with those of control group.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
In 34 postpartum women(18-43 years, mean:27 years) and another 35 control nonpregnant women(20-29 years, mean :24 years), midsagittal Tl-weighted MR images were obtained. The signal intensity and height of the anterior pituitary gland were compared between the post-partum and normal control groups.
RESULTS
In postpartum women, the signal intensity of the anterior pituitary gland relative to the pons was higher than that of the control gorup. Pituitary gland height of postpartum women was higher(5-11. 8mm, mean:8.18 +/- 1.8mm) than that of control group(2-9mm, mean :6.2 +/- 1.7mm).
CONCLUSION
It is concluded that the hyperintensity of the anterior pituitary gland on Tl-weighted image is a normal finding in postpartum women, which is useful in differentiation from pituitary abnormality.

MeSH Terms

Magnetic Resonance Imaging*
Pituitary Gland
Pituitary Gland, Anterior*
Pons
Postpartum Period*