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. 2008 Mar;62(3):717-23; discussion 717-23.
doi: 10.1227/01.neu.0000317321.79106.37.

Microsurgical anatomy of the diaphragma sellae and its role in directing the pattern of growth of pituitary adenomas

Alvaro Campero  1 , Carolina Martins, Alexandre Yasuda, Albert L Rhoton Jr
Affiliations

Microsurgical anatomy of the diaphragma sellae and its role in directing the pattern of growth of pituitary adenomas

Alvaro Campero et al. Neurosurgery. 2008 Mar.

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the anatomic aspects of the diaphragma sellae and its potential role in directing the growth of a pituitary adenoma.

Methods: Twenty cadaveric heads were dissected and measurements were taken at the level of the diaphragma sellae.

Results: The diaphragma sellae is composed of two layers of dura mater. There is a remarkable variation in the morphology of the diaphragm opening. The average anteroposterior distance of the opening was 7.26 mm (range, 3.4-10.7 mm) and the average lateral-to-lateral distance was 7.33 mm (range, 2.8-14.1 mm).

Conclusion: The variability in the diameter of the opening of the diaphragma sellae could explain the growth of pituitary tumors toward the cavernous sinus or toward the suprasellar region.

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