Targeted MRI scan of the sella is sometimes indicated to evaluate the size and shape of the indentation at the base of your skull known as the sella turcica. This area holds the pituitary gland and the indication for a scan it can be a hormonal imbalance sometimes caused by a small or fully absent pituitary gland.
Sella MRI or Pituitary MRI may be indicated in relevance to numerous and various symptoms in patients of all ages.
Contrast (dye)
Some symptoms and illnesses can be hard to detect even on a MRI scan and require injection of dye (contrast) before or during the scan.
It is particularly helpful in the following conditions:
- Tumours
- Inflammation
- Blood vessels
- Distinguishing between scar tissue and normal organ tissue
The injection is considered very safe for most and you will complete a safety questionnaire detailing your medical history before. The contrast agent (dye) is Gadolinium based and most of it is removed by your kidneys within the next day.
Read more about Gadolinium contrast dye