Prenatal visualization of the pituitary gland using 2- and 3-dimensional sonography: comparison to prenatal magnetic resonance imaging

J Ultrasound Med. 2012 Oct;31(10):1675-80. doi: 10.7863/jum.2012.31.10.1675.

Abstract

The pituitary gland is crucially important in the function of the endocrine axis. So far, antenatal depiction of the pituitary gland was possible only using magnetic resonance imaging. We describe antenatal visualization of the pituitary gland using 2- and 3-dimensional sonography. The appearance of the gland on sonography seems to be superior compares to prenatal magnetic resonance imaging. In cases with midline anomalies of the brain, face, or cranium, depiction of the pituitary gland is feasible and recommended.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Humans
  • Image Enhancement / methods*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods*
  • Pituitary Gland / anatomy & histology*
  • Pituitary Gland / diagnostic imaging*
  • Ultrasonography, Prenatal / methods*