The Pituitary Gland in Nocturnal Enuresis: MR Findings

Abstract

Nocturnal enuresis is considered a benign condition partially explained by a defect circadian rhythm of vasopressin. An organic cause may be responsible for an abnormal pituitary function, when enuresis persists into adulthood. In the present study the pituitary gland and surroundings of 8 adults suffering from primary monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis were studied by magnetic resonance imaging. The pituitary gland appeared normal in all, except from a Rathke's cleft cyst observed in one patient. This cleft cyst was not considered to be clinically important. It was concluded, that severe nocturnal enuresis persisting into adulthood is not likely to be combined with detectable pathology on magnetic resonance imaging of the pituitary gland.

Keywords::

• MRI
• nocturnal enuresis
• pituitary gland