What is the structural heterogeneity of the pituitary gland?

The pituitary gland is the Central gland is an important part of the endocrine system stimulating the secretion of hormones, which perform regulatory functions for the main part of the endocrine glands. Changes the amount of certain hormones affect hormonal balance and the functioning of many internal organs and systems. Disorders of the pituitary can be diagnosed by the heterogeneity of its structure.

How is the structural heterogeneity of the pituitary gland

Of course, no traditional methods to detect the change in the structure of the pituitary gland is impossible, moreover, its dimensions are small, and the weight is only 0.5-1 g. For this purpose, ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging, which allow us to determine the diffuse heterogeneity of this important organ. Diffuse heterogeneity of the tissue structure of the pituitary gland means differing reflective properties of these tissues, which can be detected only by ultrasound or magnetic resonance scanning.

Ultrasound or magnetic resonance radiation penetrates through the tissue of the pituitary gland, allows a high degree of reliability to determine the degree of density of these tissues, the presence of adenomas, joints, and seals, as well as the size of these formations.

According to the results of ultrasonography (us) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), the doctor makes a description of the authorities and in this description definitely indicates how homogeneous their structure. If there are no abnormalities, you can read in this description, "of the pituitary gland echostructure homogeneous, without change." In the case where it is not, it will be written the phrase: "structural heterogeneity of the pituitary gland" or "echostructure inhomogeneous" and the description of the location of the seals with the indication of their sizes.

Adenoma – benign tumors located in the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland, but there is diffuse heterogeneity and risk education, and adenocarcinomas, which are malignant.

The results of ultrasound or MRI, the physician, the diagnostician can judge whether benign or not a particular seal. Pituitary adenomas may have micro dimensions less than 10 mm or a macro more than 10 mm. in Order to put the correct diagnosis, doctors, sometimes, it is necessary to determine the location of the seals, not exceeding the size of 5-6 mm.

At risk usually are people suffering from overweight and high blood pressure, diabetes.

Symptoms of anterior pituitary

To verify the presence of adenomas in the pituitary gland is necessary when any of the following symptoms:
- regular headaches, manifested in different locations.
- a sharp deterioration of vision and change its fields;
- deterioration of ocular motility;
- the emergence of epileptic seizures;
- hormonal changes – increase amounts of prolactin and other hormones produced by the pituitary gland.