Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain in dogs with recently diagnosed but untreated pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism

J Am Vet Med Assoc. 1995 Mar 1;206(5):651-6.

Abstract

Magnetic resonance imaging was used to determine the prevalence of visible pituitary masses in 21 dogs with recently diagnosed and untreated pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism. All dogs had clinical signs and routine database values (CBC, serum biochemical panel, and urinalysis) consistent with a diagnosis of hyperadrenocorticism, and none had clinical signs suggestive of an intracranial mass. Each dog had plasma cortisol concentrations after adrenocorticotropic hormone administration or low-dose dexamethasone administration consistent with hyperadrenocorticism. Pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism was confirmed by the finding of 2 equal-size adrenal glands on abdominal ultrasonography and by results of plasma endogenous adrenocorticotropic hormone concentration and high-dose dexamethasone suppression testing. Sagittal and transverse T1-weighted magnetic resonance images of the brain were obtained before and after IV administration of gadopentenate dimeglumine. Eleven dogs had visible masses, ranging in size from 4 to 12 mm at greatest vertical height. Mean age and body weight of dogs with a visible pituitary mass was not significantly different from dogs without a visible mass. There was no significant difference in endocrine test results when comparing dogs with a visible pituitary mass to dogs without. The prevalence of visible pituitary masses in dogs with pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism was greater than suggested by the prevalence of clinical neurologic signs.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adrenal Cortex Diseases / etiology
  • Adrenal Cortex Diseases / veterinary*
  • Adrenocorticotropic Hormone / metabolism
  • Animals
  • Dog Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Dog Diseases / epidemiology*
  • Dogs
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / veterinary*
  • Pituitary Neoplasms / complications
  • Pituitary Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Pituitary Neoplasms / epidemiology
  • Pituitary Neoplasms / veterinary*
  • Prevalence
  • Statistics as Topic

Substances

  • Adrenocorticotropic Hormone