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Related Experiment Videos

Recognizing the empty sella by CT: the infundibulum sign.

V M Haughton, A E Rosenbaum, A L Williams

    AJR. American Journal of Roentgenology
    |February 1, 1981
    PubMed
    Summary

    Diagnosing empty sella syndrome using computed tomography (CT) can be challenging. Thin-slice coronal CT scans demonstrating the pituitary stalk (infundibulum) help differentiate it from intrasellar cysts or tumors.

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    NeuroImage·2010

    Area of Science:

    • Radiology
    • Neuroradiology
    • Endocrinology

    Background:

    • Conventional computed tomography (CT) techniques may misdiagnose empty sella due to similar appearances with intrasellar cystic structures.
    • Accurate differentiation is crucial for appropriate patient management and avoiding unnecessary interventions.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To evaluate the utility of thin-slice coronal CT with contrast enhancement in accurately diagnosing empty sella.
    • To determine if visualization of the pituitary stalk (infundibulum) can exclude other sellar pathologies.

    Main Methods:

    • Analysis of 23 cases with presumed empty sella using thin (1.5 mm) coronal CT sections.
    • Inclusion of intravenous contrast enhancement in CT protocols.
    • Consideration of CT with intrathecal enhancement when the infundibulum is not visualized.

    Main Results:

    • The pituitary stalk (infundibulum) was visualized in cases of presumed empty sella on thin coronal CT sections.
    • A normal-appearing infundibulum suggests that intrasellar cysts or tumors are unlikely causes of sellar enlargement.

    Conclusions:

    • Thin-slice coronal CT with intravenous contrast is recommended for documenting empty sella.
    • Visualization of the infundibulum on CT effectively excludes intrasellar cystic or tumorous lesions.
    • Intrathecal contrast-enhanced CT may be necessary if the infundibulum is not demonstrated by standard techniques.

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