Normal sellar variations in frontal tomograms

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Neuroimaging
• Anatomy

Background:

• The sella turcica's anatomy is critical for diagnosing intrasellar lesions.
• Variations in sellar floor morphology can complicate diagnostic interpretations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize the normal anatomical variations of the sellar floor.
• To determine the impact of anatomical variations on the diagnosis of intrasellar lesions.

Main Methods:

• Frontal tomograms of 100 normal sellas were analyzed.
• Sellar floor configuration, including depressions and slopes, was assessed.

Main Results:

• Most sellar floors were flat or had mild depressions (<2 mm).
• Six percent of cases showed marked central depressions, potentially altering lateral angles.
• Asymmetric sphenoid sinus septa modified sellar floor configuration in 21% of cases.
• Normal sellar floor slopes up to 8 degrees can obscure subtle contour changes.

Conclusions:

• Sellar floor anatomical variations, such as depressions and slopes, are common.
• These variations can mimic or obscure intrasellar pathologies, complicating diagnosis.
• Radiologists must consider normal anatomical variants to avoid misdiagnosis.