Evaluation of the suprasellar cistern by computed tomography

Area of Science:

• Neuroimaging
• Radiology
• Anatomy

Background:

• The suprasellar cistern is a critical neuroanatomical space.
• It contains vital structures including major intracranial vessels and the optic pathways.
• Understanding its normal anatomy is essential for diagnosing pathology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the normal morphology of the suprasellar cistern.
• To outline methods for detecting suprasellar cistern lesions.

Main Methods:

• Utilized computerized axial tomography (CAT) to visualize the suprasellar cistern.
• Described the characteristic five- or six-pointed, star-shaped appearance.
• Discussed the role of metrizamide cisternography in detecting lesions.

Main Results:

• The normal suprasellar cistern appears star-shaped and fluid-filled on CAT scans.
• It houses major intracranial vessels, optic nerves, chiasm, and infundibular stalk.
• Lesions alter normal anatomy or cause filling defects.

Conclusions:

• Computerized axial tomography effectively visualizes the normal suprasellar cistern.
• Abnormalities in the suprasellar cistern can be identified through anatomical distortion or filling defects.
• Metrizamide cisternography aids in lesion detection within this region.