Effect of Age and Gender Variation in Normal Pituitary Gland Height Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Aims: The aim of this study was to analyze the age and sex related changes in pituitary gland height in a selected population from Sudan, and also to compare findings with those of other authors.

Study Design: This prospective study included 50 participants (25 males and 25 females; ages range between 2-65 years) underwent brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination.

Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted in different MRI centers in Khartoum, Sudan between March 2016 and August 2016.

Methodology: In order to measure pituitary gland height, MRI T1 weighted sagittal images were obtained using General Electric (GE) Signa HDe 1.5 T MRI system. The unpaired t-test was used for the statistical significance, P-value ≤ 0.0001 considered significant. Statistical analysis was performed using the standard Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA) version 20 for windows.

Results: The mean value of pituitary gland height in the sample was (5.4±1 mm). Mean pituitary gland height of females (5.65±1.21 mm) was greater than that of males (5.13±0.69 mm). A significant correlation was noted between pituitary gland height in both sexes during age ranges 11-21 years, 22-32 years, 33-43 years, and 44-54 years respectively. A gradual decrease in the height was noted to start in the mid of the fifth decade of life in both sexes.

Conclusion: A reference value of normal pituitary gland height was obtained in Sudanese population. The height of the gland was greater in females. There was a gradual increase in height of the gland with age.