MRI brain findings in patients with high serum prolactin levels

ABSTRACT

The purpose of the study was to find MRI findings in patients with Prolactin levels above1000mIU/L. Methodology: This Retrospective study was conducted in Radiology Department, Rehman Medical Institute,Peshawar, from December 2009 to October 2012. A total of 86 patients, aged 16-48 years with high Prolactinlevels, were screened with MRI for pituitary gland abnormalities. Only new undiagnosed patientswere considered for the study. Children and patients with known causes for hyperprolactinaemia wereexcluded.The most common abnormality on MRI was microadenoma [n=34, 39.5%] followed by macroadenoma[n=14, 16.3%]. 12[7%] cases of complete/partial empty sella syndrome were seen. Macroadenomawas more common in males [n=6 out of 14, 42.3%] while microadenoma was more common in females[n=32 out of 72, 44.4%]. Majority of Patients had an abnormal MRI finding, showing that MRI screening should berecommended for Prolactin levels above 1000mIU/L. Microadenoma was the most common abnormality,having higher incidence in female patients