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Association of Pituitary Gland Volume in Adults with Body Mass Index: A Cross-sectional Study |
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Lakshman Suryaa, R Mithunraj, Selva Micheal Papou, Palle Manjunatha Reddy, Nithin Joe Theckumparampil 1. Junior Resident, Department of Radiodiagnosis, Pondicherry Institute of Medical Sciences, Puducherry, India. 2. Associate Professor, Department of Radiodiagnosis, Pondicherry Institute of Medical Sciences, Puducherry, India. 3. Assistant Professor, Department of Radiodiagnosis, Pondicherry Institute of Medical Sciences, Puducherry, India. 4. Senior Resident, Department of Radiodiagnosis, Pondicherry Institute of Medical Sciences, Puducherry, India. 5. Assistant Professor, Department of Radiodiagnosis, Pondicherry Institute of Medical Sciences, Puducherry, India. |
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Correspondence Address : Dr R Mithunraj Pondicherry Institute of Medical Sciences, Ganapathychettykulam, Puducherry, India. E-mail: dr.muthu1211@gmail.com |
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| ABSTRACT |  | ||||||
: Introduction: The pituitary gland is central to endocrine regulation influencing growth, metabolism, and reproduction. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) provides a reliable non-invasive method for assessing pituitary morphology. Variations in pituitary volume have been reported in relation to age, sex, and body stature and Body Mass Index (BMI). Aim: To estimate pituitary gland volume using MRI and analyse its correlation with BMI. Materials and Methods: The present cross-sectional study was conducted on 285 adults (18-85 years) undergoing MRI for non-endocrine neurological indications in the Department of Radiodiagnosis, Institute of Medical Sciences, Puducherry, India, from May 2023 to May 2025. Pituitary dimensions {Antero-Posterior (AP), Cranio-Caudal (CC) and Transverse (TR)} were measured on standardised T1 and T2-weighted images, and volume was calculated using ellipsoid formula. Demographic data (age, sex, height, weight, BMI) were recorded. Correlation and comparative analyses were performed. Results: The mean pituitary volume was 532.3±166.2 mm3. Females (560±168.4 mm3) had a higher mean pituitary volume than males (512±162.7 mm3); however, the difference did not reach statistical significance (p=0.08). Pituitary volume showed a strong positive correlation with BMI (r=0.715, p<0.001) and body weight (r=0.762, p<0.001). Age demonstrated a negative correlation with gland volume (r=-0.234, p<0.001). Conclusion: MRI-based volumetry of the pituitary gland reliably reflects its association with BMI. BMI emerged as the strongest determinant of pituitary size, while age showed an inverse effect. | |||||||
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| Keywords : Body stature, Endocrine regulation, Magnetic resonance imaging, Volumetry | |||||||
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DOI and Others :
DOI: 10.7860/IJARS/2026/85644.3089
Date of Submission: Dec 01, 2025 Date of Peer Review: Dec 29, 2025 Date of Acceptance: Jan 29, 2026 Date of Publishing: Mar 01, 2026 AUTHOR DECLARATION: • Financial or Other Competing Interests: None • Was Ethics Committee Approval obtained for this study? Yes • Was informed consent obtained from the subjects involved in the study? Yes • For any images presented appropriate consent has been obtained from the subjects. Yes PLAGIARISM CHECKING METHODS: • Plagiarism X-checker: Dec 21, 2026 • Manual Googling: Jan 23, 2026 • iThenticate Software: Jan 28, 2026 (3%) ETYMOLOGY: Author Origin EMENDATIONS: 7 |
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