• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
• /
• 제47권3호
• /
• pp.169-173
• /
• 2010

Objective : The normal anatomic relationships characteristic of the pituitary stalk area were previously thought to involve only one location. The purpose of this study was to re-evaluate the anatomic location of the pituitary stalk and possible varying locations in relation to the tuberculum sellae and dorsum sellae using morphometric evaluation and anatomic dissection of human cadaveric specimens. The surgical implications of the variations are discussed. Methods : The calvaria were removed via routine autopsy dissections, and the brains were removed from the skull while preserving the pituitary stalk. The diaphragma sellae, tuberculum sellae, and the location of the pituitary stalk were examined in 60 human cadaveric heads obtained from fresh adult cadavers. Empty sellae were excluded. Results : The openings of the diaphragma sellae averaged $6.62{\pm}1.606mm$ (range, 3-9 mm). The distance between the tuberculum sellae and the posterior part of the pituitary stalk was 1 to 8 mm. The upper face of the diaphragma sellae appeared flat in 26 (43%), concave in 24 (40%), and convex in 6 cases (10%), with a prominent tuberculum sellae in 4 cases (7%). The location of the chiasm was normal in 47 cases (78%), with a prefixed chiasm in 3 cases (5%) and a postfixed chiasm (17%) in the 10 cases. Four cadaver specimens had prominent tuberculum sellae and other parameters were not evaluated. Conclusion : When opening the chiasmatic cistern, neurosurgeons should be aware about the relationship between the pituitary stalk and the surrounding structures to prevent inadvertent injury to the pituitary stalk.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
• /
• 제38권2호
• /
• pp.151-154
• /
• 2005

A 43-year-old woman was admitted with the chief complaint of progressive visual disturbance and her brain radiological studies disclosed well demarcated tumor at tuberculum sellae area and bilateral mirror image paraclinoid internal carotid artery saccular aneurysms. A larger left side aneurysm was pointing medialy and almost encased by the tumor. Although a brain tumor and intracranial aneurysm can be simultaneously treated by surgery, the high risk of intra-operative aneurysm rupture should be considered. Therefore, the author secondly performed tumor resection after the endovascular embolization of the aneurysm which was embedding the tumor using a Guglielmi detachable coil. After successful treatment of the patient with tuberculum sellae meningioma associated with bilateral mirror image paraclinoid aneurysms using endovascular and surgical techniques, the authors present the case with a review of the related literatures.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
• /
• 제47권1호
• /
• pp.42-47
• /
• 2010

Objective: To investigate the morphometric characteristics of the pituitary gland and diaphragma sellae in Korean adults. Methods: Using the 33 formaline fixed adult cadavers (23 male, 10 female), the measurements were taken at the diaphragma sellae and pituitary gland. The authors investigated the relationship between dura and structures surrounding pituitary gland, morphometric aspects of pituitary gland and stalk, and morphometric aspect of central opening of diaphragma sellae. Results: The boundary between the lateral surface of pituitary gland and the medial wall of cavernous sinus was formed by the thin dural layer and pituitary capsule. The pituitary capsule adherent tightly to the pituitary gland was observed to continue from the diaphragma sellae. Mean width, length, and height of the pituitary gland were 14.3${\pm}$2.1, 7.9${\pm}$1.3, and 6.0${\pm}$0.9 mm in anterior lobes, and 8.7${\pm}$1.7, 2.9${\pm}$1.1, and 5.8${\pm}$1.0 mm in posterior lobes, respectively. Although all dimensions of anterior lobe in female were slightly larger than those in male, statistical significance was noted in only longitudinal dimension. The ratio of posterior lobe to the whole length of pituitary gland was about 27%. The mean thickness of pituitary stalk was 2 mm. The diaphragmal opening was 5 mm or more in 26 (78.8%) of 33 specimen. The opening was round in 60.6% of the specimen, and elliptical oriented in an anterior-posterior or transverse direction in 39.4%. Conclusion: These results provide the safe anatomical knowledge during the transsphenoidal surgery and may be helpful to access the possibility of the development of empty sella syndrome.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
• /
• 제59권5호
• /
• pp.525-528
• /
• 2016

Preservation of the optic nerves is an important issue in the resection of tuberculum sellae meningiomas. We report the case of a patient whose optic nerve was penetrated by a tuberculum sellae meningioma. During surgery, a bulging tumor was found to penetrate the right optic nerve. The tumor was gross totally removed, including tumors bulging through the optic nerve. Two trunks of the split optic nerve were preserved. The penetrated shape of the optic nerve may lead to misjudgment and its damage. Divided trunks of optic nerves are difficult to recognize and may be confused for the tumor capsule, because they may be thinned and seem to contain tumors. In addition, a single trunk may be confused for the whole nerve; thus, the other trunk may be easily damaged if not dissected cautiously. Treatment strategy according to the remnant visual acuity was suggested.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
• /
• 제45권6호
• /
• pp.375-377
• /
• 2009

A 49-year-old woman presented with headache, vomiting and visual disturbance. Neurological examination revealed bitemporal hemianopsia with poor visual acuity. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a bulky intra-suprasellar mass, which was isointense with brain parenchyma on T1-weighted images, and slightly hyperintense on T2-weighted images. After gadolinium administration, the mass was homogeneously enhanced. The mass was partially removed by the endonasal transsphenoidal approach and then the remnant mass was totally removed by the transcranial approach five months later. We found a yellowish mass which was attached to the diaphragm sellae in operation field. Histopathological examination of the tumor revealed the characteristic features of a schwannoma. We report an unusual case of an intra-suprasellar schwannoma resembling a non-functioning pituitary macroadenoma both clinically and radiologically.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
• /
• 제39권5호
• /
• pp.329-334
• /
• 2006

Objective : In selected cases, the transsphenoidal approach[TSA] can be extended anteriorly to the tuberculum sellae, chiasmatic sulcus, and planum sphenoidale to obtain direct exposure of the suprasellar cisterns and its contents. We applied this modification of the TSA to various lesions of the presellar and suprasellar areas. We evaluate our clinical experience of this technique and review the related literature. Methods : From 1999 to 2004, we used the transsphenoidal supradiaphragmatic intradural approachs[TSIAs] in 9 patients who had various lesions at the pre- and suprasellar regions. Concomitant presellar extension of the bone window was performed with the sublabial or transnasal transseptal transphenoidal techniques. After removal of the lesions, sellar or anterior cranial floor was repaired with silicone plate substitute. Results : The TSIAs have been applied in the following cases : four tuberculum sellae meningiomas, two craniopharyngiomas, two Rathke's cleft cysts, and one non-functioning macroadenoma. The complications were one case of visual acuity decrease and one cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea. Conclusion : The TSIA is easily applicable through a minor modification of the standard TSA. It is suitable for removing lesions located in the presellar and suprasellar area adjacent to the pituitary stalk with minimal brain manipulation and decreased morbidity.

• 대한치과보철학회지
• /
• 제8권1호
• /
• pp.85-89
• /
• 1968

The author has carried out the statistical standards on liner and angular measurements of sells turcica in 244 normal Korean of various age group by means of lateral cephalometric radiography. The results were as follows; 1. The linear measurements between Ant-Post distance and distance from the tip of tuberculum of sellae to posterior clinoid process were obtained 14.81mm, 9.85mm in the age of 5 years old male and 14.44mm, 9.52mm in female, respectively. There was no outstanding difference with age, but more predominant in female than male. 2. The linear measurements of inferior depth show somewhat increases but no changes in superior depth. 3. It has been showed that the greatest width revealed significant increment beyond 15 years old of both sexes in Korean. 4. None of the significant difference in angular measurement was found with age, but angulation for dorsum sellae decreased after 15 years of male. 5. Generally speaking, increment rates of female in each items were greater than male.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
• /
• 제37권2호
• /
• pp.101-104
• /
• 2005

Objective: A persistent trigeminal artery (PTA) may be found incidentally on conventional cerebral angiography and magnetic resonance(MR) angiography. Our goal is to examine the course and relationships of the vessel to the surrounding structures. Methods: Cerebral angiography was performed in 494 patients and MRA in 880; the patients had or were suspected to have cerebrovascular disease. In the images, the incidence, origin, course, and relationships of the PTA were evaluated. Results: A PTA was found in two (0.4%) of the patients undergoing cerebral angiography and three (0.34%) receiving an MR angiography. In four patients, the PTA arose from the lateral part of the cavernous segment of the internal carotid artery, then passed caudally and around the base of the dorsum sellae. In the other patient, the PTA arose from the medial aspect of the siphon, and ascended sharply to pierce the dorsum sellae and join the basilar artery. In four cases, there was hypoplasia of a proximal basilar artery below the abnormal communication; the vessel was of increased diameter above the communication. Conclusion: Identification of a PTA with a trans-sellar course is crucial if trans-sphenoidal surgery is planned. Hypoplasia of a proximal basilar artery should not be mistaken for an acquired narrowing.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
• /
• 제64권1호
• /
• pp.110-119
• /
• 2021

Objective : Preoperative prediction of the arachnoid membrane descent in pituitary surgery is useful for achieving gross total removal and avoiding cerebrospinal fluid leakage resulting from tearing of the arachnoid membrane in the chiasmatic cistern. In this study, we analyzed the patterns of arachnoid membrane descent during or after pituitary tumor surgery and identified the factors related to this descent. Methods : Analysis was restricted to pituitary macroadenomas not extending into the third ventricle or over the internal carotid artery. To minimize confounding factors, patients who underwent revision surgery, those who had a torn arachnoid during operation or small medial diaphragma sellae (DS) opening, and subtotal resections were excluded. We enrolled 41 consecutive patients in this retrospective analysis. The degree of arachnoid descent was categorized using intraoperative videos. Preoperative magnetic resonance findings, including tumor height, suprasellar extension, and variables including DS area and medial opening size, tumor composition, and displacement of the pituitary stalk and gland were evaluated to determine their correlations with arachnoid membrane descent. Results : Arachnoid membrane descent was significantly correlated with DS area and medial opening size. Based on T2-weighted images (T2WI) magnetic resonance (MR) images, tumor composition was significantly associated with arachnoid membrane descent. Other factors were not significantly correlated with arachnoid membrane descent. Conclusion : T2WI of tumor composition and preoperative MR imaging of DS area and medial opening provided valuable information regarding arachnoid membrane descent. These parameters may serve as fundamental measures to facilitate complete resection of pituitary macroadenomas.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
• /
• 제65권1호
• /
• pp.114-122
• /
• 2022

Objective : Early descent of the diaphragm sellae (DS) during endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery (EETS) for pituitary macroadenoma surgery is occasionally a troublesome event by blocking the surgical field. Here we introduce an alternative technique with the new pituitary retractor and present our clinical experiences. Methods : We designed a simple and rigid pituitary retractor with the least space occupation in the nasal cavity to be compatible in EETS. The pituitary retractor was held by external holder system to support the herniated DS stably. We retrospectively reviewed a clinical 22 cases of pituitary macroadenomas underwent EETS using the pituitary retractor. Results : The pituitary retractor stably pushed up the herniated DS in all cases, and the surgeon proceeded the procedure with bimanual maneuver. The pituitary retractor was helpful to remove tumors around the medial cavernous sinus and behind the DS in 16 and seven cases, respectively. In four cases, the meticulous hemostasis was completed with the direct visualization by the DS elevation with this retractor. Gross total tumor resection was performed in 20/22 patients (91%). The impaired visual function and hypopituitarism were improved in 18/20 (90%) and 7/14 (50%) patients after surgery, respectively. There was no complication related with the pituitary retractor. Conclusion : During EETS for pituitary macroadenomas, the novel pituitary retractor reported in this study is a very useful technique when the herniated DS block the surgical field and bimanual maneuver. This pituitary retractor can help to result in the excellent surgical outcomes with minimal morbidity.