Pituitary MRI in children

Compared with X-ray CT, MRI mainly uses ultrasound to scan and detect the human body. Therefore, MRI will be more expensive than general medical testing methods, but MRI examinations for children will not cause much impact on their bodies. Because the hormones secreted by the pituitary gland are very important for people during their growth period, can MRI examination of the pituitary gland in children detect the activity of the pituitary gland?

What is MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) in Children?

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a non-invasive medical imaging device that can be used for diagnosis and treatment monitoring of a variety of diseases. Because the MRI imaging process uses only magnetic fields, wireless radio frequency pulses, and computers to form medical images, and does not use ionizing radiation (X-rays), it can be the preferred imaging method for many childhood diseases.

What diseases are suitable for children's (pediatric) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)?

Children's brain and spinal cord imaging. MRI is not interfered by bone tissue such as the skull and spine, and can clearly show the brain and spinal cord tissue structure. It can be used for:

- Detect various congenital malformations and abnormal cysts, tumors, bleeding, swelling, or blood vessel problems in the brain

- Check for brain damage caused by trauma or stroke

- Diagnosis of infectious or autoimmune diseases such as encephalopathy or encephalitis

- Evaluation for unusual symptoms, such as persistent headaches, dizziness, weakness, blurred vision, or seizures

- Helps detect certain chronic neurological diseases, such as multiple sclerosis

- Diagnosing pituitary tumors and brainstem problems

- Assess the cause of developmental delay

- Evaluate for disc degeneration or disc herniation

- Evaluation of congenital or acquired malformations of the vertebral bones

- Determine the status of spinal cord tissue

Cardiac examination: MRI is often used in cardiac ultrasound examination (US), computed tomography (CT) and catheter interventional angiography. It plays a complementary role and provides information before and after diagnosis or treatment of heart diseases. It can be used for:

- Evaluation of cardiac and perivascular structures

- Understand the causes of arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythm)

- Evaluation of infection

- Assess cardiac blood flow and heart function

- Evaluate outcomes after cardiovascular surgery

The child will usually be alone in the MRI room, but the doctor or technician doing the scan can see and hear the child in real time during the examination and keep the intercom or phone open at all times. Family members are also allowed to accompany patients in the MRI examination room, as long as they cooperate with the scanning doctor's instructions and ensure safety in the magnetic field environment.

A conventional superconducting MRI looks like a large cylinder with the child lying on a movable examination table that moves into the center of the magnetic field. Unlike conventional X-rays and computed tomography (CT), MRI does not use ionizing radiation. Instead, it uses wireless radio frequency signals to target naturally occurring hydrogen protons in the body without causing any changes in human tissue chemistry. Typically, the signal generated by the wireless radio frequency signal in the human body is received via a surface coil, and the coil current does not contact the human body during imaging. A computer processes the signals received from the coil and creates a series of images showing cross-sections of the body. An MRI exam typically consists of multiple sequences, each lasting several minutes. Magnetic resonance imaging is better at showing the contrast between abnormal (or diseased) tissue and normal tissue than X-rays, CT, and ultrasound. Children will be given appropriately sized earplugs or headphones during the examination, and you can also play music for your child through the headphones to help you complete the entire examination smoothly. Normally, the child's body feels a little warm, and if at any time he or she feels something unusual, he or she can notify the doctor or technician through the two-way intercom. During the imaging process, it is most important that the child remain completely still, usually for only a few seconds to a few minutes. Children will hear and feel the loud mechanical or impact sounds during imaging, but as long as they remain still, the examination can be completed successfully and a clear image can be obtained.

No sedatives were used and no special recovery care is required. You can resume your daily activities and normal diet after the examination. A small number of patients experience side effects such as local pain and nausea when using MRI contrast agents. In rare cases, patients are allergic to the contrast agents and develop hives, itchy eyes, or other reactions, which can be treated immediately by the radiologist or other physician.