Currently, magnetic resonance imaging is one of the most informative and reliable diagnostic methods. Based on the results of MRI, the doctor can not only assess the degree of functioning of a particular organ, but also identify any pathological process at an early stage of its development. The essence of the technique is layer-by-layer scanning of tissues. In this case, the magnetic radiation emitted by the apparatus is completely harmless to the human body. If there is evidence, an MRI of the Turkish saddle is prescribed. In this case, we are talking about the study of the most important gland - the pituitary gland.
Turkish saddle: concept
On the sphenoid bone at the base of the skull there is a small depression. This is the Turkish saddle. Directly located in it is the pituitary gland - one of the most important glands of the body. Directly above it is the hypothalamus.
In the back of the Turkish saddle are the optic nerve fibers. The carotid arteries also pass through this zone, through which the brain is saturated with blood and vital substances.
The hormones synthesized by the pituitary gland regulate the work of other endocrine glands. In addition, they are directly involved in many physiological processes. Thus, even a slight disruption in the functioning of the pituitary gland leads to the development of a large number of complications that pose a danger not only to health, but also to human life.
If a gland lesion is suspected, doctors prescribe an MRI scan of the Turkish saddle. The pituitary gland is carefully examined using a tomograph. During the study, a specialist can detect even the smallest changes in the organ.
What allows you to identify
With the help of MRI it is possible to diagnose the empty Turkish saddle syndrome. This is a pathological condition characterized by the absence of a septum that blocks the entrance to the deepening of the sphenoid bone at the base of the skull. The consequence of the incorrect location of the diaphragm is an increase in pressure on the pituitary gland. As a result, iron is shifted to the bottom of the recess, which greatly complicates its visualization.
MRI of the Turkish saddle can detect the presence of both benign and malignant neoplasms. The most commonly diagnosed pituitary adenoma. This is a tumor represented by glandular tissue. The neoplasm, although it has a benign character, but it can grow into adjacent structures and exert pressure on them.
In order to obtain the most complete information about the tumor, the doctor first enters the patient with a contrast agent based on gadolinium. Neoplasms have a developed circulatory network. Vessels on the screen of the tomograph look highlighted, which makes it possible to assess the localization, size and contours of the tumor.
Indications
MRI of the Turkish saddle is prescribed if there is a suspicion that the patient has a violation of the pituitary gland. Most often, the doctor directs to the study, based on the results of laboratory diagnostics. This is due to the fact that the clinical manifestations of impaired functioning of the gland are nonspecific and may indicate the progression of a large number of diseases.
MRI of the Turkish saddle is indicated if patients have the following symptoms:
- Slowing down the physical development of a child or, conversely, acromegaly and gigantism.
- Violation of the menstrual cycle in women.
- Infertility.
- Swelling of the extremities.
- Termination of hair growth in the intimate area.
- Violation of the respiratory process.
- Memory impairment.
- Frequent episodes of nausea.
- Hyperactivity.
- Visual impairment.
- Persistent headaches.
- Uncontrollable trembling in the hands.
- Excessive sweating.
- Sleep disturbances.
- Increased blood pressure.
- Instability to stressful situations.
- Inhibition of mental work.
- Feeling uneasy for no apparent reason.
- Painful sensations in the area of the heart stitching.
- Fainting.
- Fever. In this case, colds are absent.
- Pain in the orbit.
- Bifurcation of subjects.
- Lacrimation.
- Change of fields of vision.
In the presence of at least several of the above symptoms, the doctor prescribes an MRI of the Turkish saddle. During the study, it is possible to identify the degree of damage to the gland and determine the tactics of the patient.
Benefits
Magnetic resonance imaging is prescribed more often than other studies. This is due to its advantages:
- Minimally invasive and painless. During the diagnosis, the skin is not damaged. In addition, the procedure is not associated with the occurrence of painful and other uncomfortable sensations.
- Informational content. The tomograph, scanning the necessary area, makes a large number of slices with a high frequency. Thanks to this, it is even possible to create a three-dimensional projection of the Turkish saddle.
- Security. The magnetic waves emitted by the device are completely safe for the human body. MRI can be prescribed as often as necessary, unlike an X-ray examination.
In addition, the contrast agent used is hypoallergenic. Gadolinium does not harm tissues and is very rapidly excreted from the body.
Contraindications
Like any other study, MRI of the Turkish saddle of the brain has several limitations. Diagnostic measures are not carried out in the following cases:
- Patient is less than 7 years old.
- Human body weight more than 130 kg.
- The presence in the patient’s body of metal implants that cannot be temporarily removed.
- Claustrophobia.
Contraindications to MRI with contrast:
- Serious kidney and liver disease.
- Pregnancy.
- Lactation period.
The list of contraindications can be expanded by the attending physician. When assigning a study, a specialist must take into account all the individual characteristics of the patient’s health.
Training
Immediately before the test, it is recommended to take blood and urine for analysis. There is no specific preparation for MRI of the Turkish saddle. Doctors only recommend that you don’t wear metal objects before the test.
If MRI with contrast is prescribed, the last meal before it should take place in 8-10 hours.
Methodology
The procedure does not take much time. How is the study:
- The patient removes metal objects from himself (including dentures), removes magnetic cards and a mobile phone from his pockets.
- A person fits on a special mobile couch.
- The patient's head is fixed with holders.
- The doctor starts the work of the tomograph. The magnetic waves emitted by the apparatus react with the hydrogen atoms contained in the tissues of the patient's body. The result of the interaction is the image on the computer screen of the organ under investigation.
The duration of the procedure is 20-30 minutes. After the end of the study, the patient is given the received images and the doctor’s opinion.
According to numerous reviews, MRI of the Turkish saddle is well tolerated. Immediately after the procedure, you can begin to carry out your daily activities.
Alternative techniques
Magnetic resonance imaging is the most advanced diagnostic method. As an alternative to MRI of the Turkish saddle, only CT scans can be considered. Computed tomography is a diagnostic method based on the ability of the human body to absorb ionizing radiation.
The patient is also placed on a special mobile table, after which his head is fixed. Then the doctor starts the device. After this, a scan of the test area occurs. The image is also transmitted to the computer monitor. The doctor can visualize all structures that are significantly different from each other in density. If they are similar in this indicator, it is very difficult to consider them. Due to this drawback, MRI is considered more informative.
Finally
If there is a suspicion of a malfunction of the pituitary gland, magnetic resonance imaging of the Turkish saddle is prescribed. In the process of the study, the doctor studies the condition of the gland, identifies pathological processes even in the early stages of their development, and also assesses the degree of organ damage. Based on the results of the diagnosis, the specialist draws up the most effective treatment regimen. The procedure takes no more than half an hour. The study is not associated with the occurrence of painful and other uncomfortable sensations. Immediately after its completion, you can begin to carry out your daily activities.