Radiologic diagnosis of lateral parasellar masses and their classifications

Computed tomography (CT) and cerebral angiography of lateral parasellar masses were reviewed and classified into 6 categories according mainly to operative findings, as: 1) intradural or dural masses, 2) pituitary fossa masses, 3) intracranial extradural masses, 4) bony or cartilaginous masses, 5) masses of sphenoid sinus origin, and 6) carcinomas. Each of the 6 categories shows characteristic combinations of 3 cardinal radiologic features. These are: a) transverse displacement of the ganglial and cavernous carotid arteries on antero-posterior carotid angiography, b) erosion or destruction of bone in the lateral parasellar region, and c) sphenoid sinus involvement on CT and conventional radiography. Use of this classification scheme based on the 3 cardinal radiologic features described should be of considerable aid in the diagnosis of lateral parasellar masses.