CT and angiography of primary extradural juxtasellar tumors

The computed tomographic and angiographic features of 15 histologically proven primary extradural juxtasellar tumors were retrospectively reviewed. Five chordomas were characterized by prominent bone erosion and a significant posterior fossa component. Four trigeminal nerve neuromas each demonstrated bone erosion centered about Meckel's cave and moderate to marked contrast enhancement. Two cavernous sinus meningiomas revealed moderate contrast enhancement, expansion of the cavernous sinus, and moderate angiographic stain. Two cavernous hemangiomas of the cavernous sinus were intensely enhancing and demonstrated angiographic stain. Opacification of the sphenoid sinus with prominent bone destruction and lack of contrast enhancement was characteristic of a sphenoid sinus mucocele. The dural reflection could be directly visualized or indirectly inferred in each case.