AN OVER VIEW OF THE CLINICAL RELEVANCE OF THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE ORMAL AND ABNORMAL ANATOMY OF THE SELLA TURCICA, USING PLAIN RADIOGRAPHS

Careful examination of the changes within the sella is far more rewarding than measuring the dimensions of the sella. A review was composed via Medline Internet search and literature search. Knowledge of the normal and abnormal anatomy of the sella turcica is significant clinically in the determination of increased intracranial pressure, the determination of direct pressure erosion of the sella from external cases in the immediate vicinity of the sella and the detection of intrasellar expanding lesions. It is concluded that deformity of the sella turcica is often the only clue that abnormality exists within the cranium: hence a familiarity with its anatomy and radiologic appearance is essential.