Alterations in pituitary gland volume in polycystic ovary syndrome: a structural magnetic resonance imaging study

Clin Imaging. 2015 May-Jun;39(3):449-53. doi: 10.1016/j.clinimag.2014.10.002. Epub 2014 Oct 16.

Abstract

The purpose of this prospectively designed cross-sectional observational study was to evaluate the effect of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) on pituitary gland volume (PGV) under the hypothesis that endocrinologic changes may lead to morphologic changes of the pituitary gland. Twenty-six PCOS patients and 31 control subjects underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the pituitary. Informed consent was obtained from all subjects. PGV was significantly larger in PCOS patients than in control subjects. Luteinizing hormone/follicle-stimulating hormone ratio was the only predictor of PGV. The association between pituitary gland enlargement and PCOS should be kept in mind when pituitary hypertrophy is detected on MRI.

Keywords: Magnetic resonance imaging; Mean ovarian volume; Pituitary gland volume; Polycystic ovary syndrome.

Publication types

  • Observational Study

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • Follicle Stimulating Hormone
  • Humans
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted
  • Imaging, Three-Dimensional
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods*
  • Organ Size
  • Pituitary Gland / pathology*
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / pathology*
  • Prospective Studies
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Follicle Stimulating Hormone