Abstract
A pituitary bright spot (PBS) is the normal phenomenon of hyperintensity area that appears on non-enhanced T1-weighted MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) just posterior to the Sella turcica in the posterior pituitary. Variation in size may be difficult to differentiate from pathology (hemorrhage), so standard PBS measurement is essential. This study aims to assess the normal PSB and its dimensions in normal Sudanese adults using MRI. A cross-sectional study conducted in 120 Sudanese adult subjects (46 males and 74 females) underwent an MRI examination for the brain at Al Amal National Hospital and Yastabshiroon Umdorman medical center. Their age ranged between 20 to 60 years. General Electric Health Care (GE SIGNA EXCITE) 0.2T permanent magnet (open magnet) and 1.5T closed magnet, Philips medical system (intera) machines were used for the examination. Brain MRI excluded if there are any pituitary abnormality. MRI T1-weighted sagittal images were obtained to determine if there are bright spot phenomena, then the long axis, short axis along with the pituitary bright spot area were measured. Among the 120 cases, PBS appears in 54.2%. The mean long axis of PBS was 4.50 +/- 1.26 mm; the mean short axis was 2.79 +/- 0.70mm. The males had a significantly larger spot size than females (P<0.001), No significant difference in spot measurements in different age group (p>0.05).The incidence of PBS is 54.2% in adult Sudanese with normal pituitary gland, dimensions were significantly different between males and females.