Boleaga-Durán B, Guzmán-Nuquez E

Language: Spanish
References: 17
Page: 219-224
PDF size: 526.84 Kb.

ABSTRACT

Introduction: In Computerized Tomography and Magnetic Resonance studies of the skull, it is frequent to observe incidentally an intrasellar extension of the subarachnoid space toward the cavity of the sella turca, considered as anatomic variant in most of the cases. In some patients, this finding associates to dizziness, vertigo, cephalalgia, visual alterations, spinal brain fluid fistula and hormonal disorders.
Objective: With the present study, a simple methodology is intended to evaluate, in four degrees, the severity of the intrasellar arachnoidocele, generically known as empty sella.
Material and methods: Since May 1988 to December 2007, 12,030 studies of the skull using a 0.5 T GE ^® MR-Max, a 1.5 T Siemens ^® Avanto and a 1.5 T GE ^® Signa equipment were made. The aspect and contents of the sella turca were observed, determining the subarachnoid space extension toward the sellar cavity in four degrees (25%, 50%, 75% and 100%).
Results: Of all of the studied cases (n =12,030), intrasellar aracnoidocele was detected in 7.5% (n=902). The degree IV obtained the highest frequency, with a marked predominance in females (70%).
Discussion: Historically, the air used as means of contrast at the ventricular system or in the subarachnoid space, could observed with free passage toward the cavity of the sella turca. When air occupied one part or all of the cavity, it was generically mentioned as empty sella. Using Computerized Tomography and Magnetic Resonance we can demonstrate the intrasellar aracnoidocele with optimal quality. In some cases, it is associated to cephalalgia, visual and endocrine alterations. The classification suggested in the present work enables an easy evaluation of this finding.
Conclusion: The proposed methodology allows evaluating the severity of the intrasellar aracnoidocele objectively.

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