ABSTRACT

The pituitary gland is a small but physiologically highly complex structure located at the center of the endocrine system. Owing to its direct connection with the hypothalamus, it is responsible for regulating multiple hormonal axes. Therefore, pituitary disorders can manifest across a wide clinical spectrum with various endocrine dysfunctions. Accurate identification and characterization of pituitary pathologies are of critical importance for directing patients toward appropriate medical or surgical treatment. Today, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is recognized as the primary method for evaluating the pituitary gland. With its high tissue resolution, multiplanar imaging capability, and dynamic contrast-enhanced sequences, MRI has become an indispensable tool for revealing both anatomical details and functional alterations. This review discusses the radiological assessment of the pituitary gland in the context of endocrine diseases, common pathologies, and emerging imaging approaches.