MRI BRAIN FINDINGS IN PATIENTS WITH HIGH SERUM PROLACTIN LEVELS

The purpose of the study was to find MRI findings in patients with Prolactin levels above 1000mlU/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 Prolactin levels, were screened with MRI for pituitary gland abnormalities. Only new undiagnosed patients were considered for the study. Children and patients with known causes for hyperprolactinaemia were excluded. Results: 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. Macroadenoma was 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%). Conclusion: Majority of Patients had an abnormal MRI finding, showing that MRI screening should be recommended for Prolactin levels above1000mlU/L. Microadenoma was the most common abnormality, having higher incidence in female patients.