下垂体の機能画像

Pituitary MR imaging reflecting its function

　はじめに

　下垂体は頭蓋底部正中に位置する小さな臓器で，視床下部とともに内分泌機能の中枢を担っている。そのためMRで捉えられる下垂体の微妙な信号や形態，血流の変化は，そのまま内分泌の状態を反映し，機能画像の役割を担っている。

　Pituitary gland is a small organ situated in the skull base but plays an important role as a hormonal center. Its size and intensity on MR imaging have changed and reflect various conditions. After emerging MR, many etiologies of pituitary diseases, such as pituitary dwarfism or diabetes insipidus, have been figured out.