Is there a dural wall between the cavernous sinus and the pituitary fossa? Anatomical and MRI findings

1998 ◽  
Vol 40 (10) ◽  
pp. 627-630 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. L. Dietemann ◽  
P. Kehrli ◽  
C. Maillot ◽  
R. Diniz ◽  
M. Reis Jr. ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cavernous Sinus ◽  
Mri Findings ◽  
Pituitary Fossa ◽  
Dural Wall

Primary treatment of an indirect carotid cavernous fistula by injection of N-butyl cyanoacrylate in the dural wall of the cavernous sinus

2007 ◽  
Vol 67 (4) ◽  
pp. 403-408 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ali Shaibani ◽  
Mehdi Rohany ◽  
Richard Parkinson ◽  
John K. Hopkins ◽  
H. Hunt Batjer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cavernous Sinus ◽  
Primary Treatment ◽  
Carotid Cavernous Fistula ◽  
Cavernous Fistula ◽  
Dural Wall

The Medial Wall of the Cavernous Sinus: Microsurgical Anatomy

Neurosurgery ◽  
2004 ◽  
Vol 55 (1) ◽  
pp. 179-190 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexandre Yasuda ◽  
Alvaro Campero ◽  
Carolina Martins ◽  
Albert L. Rhoton ◽  
Guilherme C. Ribas
Keyword(s):  
Pituitary Gland ◽  
Cavernous Sinus ◽  
Thin Sheet ◽  
Single Layer ◽  
Lateral Wall ◽  
The Body ◽  
Medial Wall ◽  
Microsurgical Anatomy ◽  
Pituitary Fossa ◽  
Adjacent Structures

Abstract OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to clarify the boundaries, relationships, and components of the medial wall of the cavernous sinus (CS). METHODS: Forty CSs, examined under ×3 to ×40 magnification, were dissected from lateral to medial in a stepwise fashion to expose the medial wall. Four CSs were dissected starting from the midline to lateral. RESULTS: The medial wall of the CS has two parts: sellar and sphenoidal. The sellar part is a thin sheet that separates the pituitary fossa from the venous spaces in the CS. This part, although thin, provided a barrier without perforations or defects in all cadaveric specimens studied. The sphenoidal part is formed by the dura lining the carotid sulcus on the body of the sphenoid bone. In all of the cadaveric specimens, the medial wall seemed to be formed by a single layer of dura that could not be separated easily into two layers as could the lateral wall. The intracavernous carotid was determined to be in direct contact with the pituitary gland, being separated from it by only the thin sellar part of the medial wall in 52.5% of cases. In 39 of 40 CSs, the venous plexus and spaces in the CS extended into the narrow space between the intracavernous carotid and the dura lining the carotid sulcus, which forms the sphenoidal part of the medial wall. The lateral surface of the pituitary gland was divided axially into superior, middle and inferior thirds. The intracavernous carotid coursed lateral to some part of all the superior, middle, and inferior thirds in 27.5% of the CSs, along the inferior and middle thirds in 32.5%, along only the inferior third in 35%, and below the level of the gland and sellar floor in 5%. In 18 of the 40 CSs, the pituitary gland displaced the sellar part of the medial wall laterally and rested against the intracavernous carotid, and in 6 there was a tongue-like lateral protrusion of the gland that extended around a portion of the wall of the intracavernous carotid. No defects were observed in the sellar part of the medial wall, even in the presence of these protrusions. CONCLUSION: The CS has an identifiable medial wall that separates the CS from the sella and capsule of the pituitary gland. The medial wall has two segments, sellar and sphenoidal, and is formed by just one layer of dura that cannot be separated into two layers as can the lateral wall of the CS. In this study, the relationships between the medial wall and adjacent structures demonstrated a marked variability.

Dural relationships of Meckel cave and lateral wall of the cavernous sinus

2008 ◽  
Vol 25 (6) ◽  
pp. E2 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rashid M. Janjua ◽  
Ossama Al-Mefty ◽  
Duane W. Densler ◽  
Christopher B. Shields
Keyword(s):  
Posterior Fossa ◽  
Cavernous Sinus ◽  
Posterior Margin ◽  
Fibrous Tissue ◽  
Lateral Wall ◽  
Gasserian Ganglion ◽  
Middle Fossa ◽  
Fresh Cadaver ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Dural Wall

Object The purpose of this study was to elucidate the anatomy of the trigeminal nerve (cranial nerve [CN] V), Meckel cave (MC), and lateral wall of the cavernous sinus (CS). Methods Ten fresh cadaver heads (20 sides) and 2 middle fossa embalmed specimens were removed, decalcified, sectioned, stained, and studied microscopically. Results In the MC, the posterior fossa meningeal dura extended into the middle fossa surrounding CN V. The average medial length of the MC was 16.7 mm and the lateral length was 13.5 mm. The dural roof of MC was thicker than its floor and was covered by a paw-shaped fibrous tissue extending from the tentorium to the ganglion (in 100% of specimens). Between the dural sleeve of the MC and venous space of the CS, a separate fibrous wall could be identified in 45% (9 of 20) extending between the tentorium and the floor of the CS. The mean length of CN V in the MC proximal to the posterior margin of the Gasserian ganglion was 11.8 mm. The mean length of CN V1 was 19.4 mm; V2, 12.3 mm; and V3, 7.4 mm distal to the anterior margin of the ganglion. The periosteal dura followed the bone of the middle fossa and was continuous with the extracranial periosteum. The lateral dural wall of the CS consisted of a medial (membranous) and a lateral wall. The latter was separated into a thin outer layer and a thicker fibrous inner layer that became thinner as it extended posterolaterally. Conclusions The MC is an extension of the posterior fossa dura with intricate relationships with the surrounding dural layers.

scholarly journals Cluster Headache Secondary to Macroprolactinoma with Ipsilateral Cavernous Sinus Invasion

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-3
Author(s):  
M. J. Levy ◽  
I. Robertson ◽  
T. A. Howlett
Keyword(s):  
Cluster Headache ◽  
Dopamine Agonist ◽  
Cavernous Sinus ◽  
Pituitary Tumour ◽  
Serum Prolactin ◽  
Pituitary Fossa ◽  
Cavernous Sinus Invasion ◽  
Mri Brain ◽  
Episodic Cluster Headache

We present a 25 year-old man with episodic cluster headache that was refractory to all standard pharmacological prophylactic and abortive treatments. Because of the lack of response, an MRI brain was performed which showed a large pituitary tumour with ipsilateral cavernous sinus invasion. The serum prolactin was significantly elevated at 54,700 miU/L (50–400) confirming a macro-prolactinoma. Within a few days of cabergoline therapy the headache resolved. He continues to be headache free several years after starting the dopamine agonist. This case highlights the importance of imaging the pituitary fossa in patients with refractory cluster headache, It also raises the potential anatomical importance of the cavernous sinus in pituitary-associated headache.

A Rare Case of Steroid-Resistant Neurosarcoidosis of the Cavernous Sinus With Optic Neuropathy: A Case Report

2021 ◽  
pp. 194187442199364
Author(s):  
Shiva Barforoshi ◽  
Nikhil A. Patel ◽  
Alvin P. Singh ◽  
Terrence Li ◽  
Benjamin Mba
Keyword(s):  
Nervous System ◽  
Combination Therapy ◽  
Cavernous Sinus ◽  
Optic Neuropathy ◽  
Vision Loss ◽  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
Mediastinal Lymphadenopathy ◽  
Mri Findings ◽  
History Of ◽  
The Right

Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease that presents with nervous system involvement in 5-10% of cases, commonly known as neurosarcoidosis.1 While there are no randomized controlled trials for the treatment of neurosarcoidosis, expert opinion supports initial treatment with corticosteroids and the use of steroid-sparing or anti-TNF agents in refractory or severe cases. We report a case of a 48-year-old African American male with a past medical history of biopsy-proven hepatic and renal sarcoidosis and progressive headache, dizziness, and blurry vision for 5 months, presenting with an acute exacerbation of right-sided vision loss over one day. MRI of the brain revealed a dural-based mass extending into the right cavernous sinus and compressing the right optic nerve. Given the pathological confirmation of systemic granulomatous disease consistent with sarcoidosis, clinical manifestations, bilateral hilar and mediastinal lymphadenopathy, MRI findings typical of central nervous system inflammation, and exclusion of other possible etiologies, the patient was diagnosed with probable neurosarcoidosis. Corticosteroids initially resolved his symptoms; however, he suffered an acute relapse. Combination therapy with corticosteroids plus mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) led to the eventual resolution of his symptoms. Only 8 cases of neurosarcoidosis involving the cavernous sinus have been reported. Our patient represents the only reported case of probable neurosarcoidosis of the cavernous sinus with optic neuropathy successfully treated with corticosteroid plus MMF combination therapy. We highlight the need to consider early, aggressive treatment in cases of neurosarcoidosis with optic neuropathy and to develop criteria to guide treatment strategy based on neurolocalization and the degree of neurological disability.

Tumors of the lateral wall of the cavernous sinus

1992 ◽  
Vol 77 (4) ◽  
pp. 508-514 ◽  
Author(s):  
Magdy El-Kalliny ◽  
Harry van Loveren ◽  
Jeffrey T. Keller ◽  
John M. Tew
Keyword(s):  
Cavernous Sinus ◽  
Cranial Nerve ◽  
Tumor Resection ◽  
Lateral Wall ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Nerve Preservation ◽  
Membranous Layer ◽  
Microsurgical Approach ◽  
Dural Wall ◽  
Fine Print

✓ The lateral dural wall of the cavernous sinus is composed of two layers, the outer dural layer (dura propria) and the inner membranous layer. Tumors arising from the contents of the lateral dural wall are located between these two layers and are classified as interdural. They are in essence extradural/extracavernous. The inner membranous layer separates these tumors from the venous channels of the cavernous sinus. Preoperative recognition of tumors in this location is critical for selecting an appropriate microsurgical approach. Characteristics displayed by magnetic resonance imaging show an oval-shaped, smooth-bordered mass with medial displacement but not encasement of the cavernous internal carotid artery. Tumors in this location can be resected safely without entering the cavernous sinus proper by using techniques that permit reflection of the dura propria of the lateral wall (methods of Hakuba or Dolenc). During the last 5 years, the authors have identified and treated five patients with interdural cavernous sinus tumors, which included two trigeminal neurinomas arising from the first division of the fifth cranial nerve, two epidermoid tumors, and one malignant melanoma presumed to be primary. The pathoanatomical features that make this group of tumors unique are discussed, as well as the clinical and radiological findings, and selection of the microsurgical approach. A more favorable prognosis for tumor resection and cranial nerve preservation is predicted for interdural tumors when compared with other cavernous sinus tumors.

Is There an Identifiable Intact Medial Wall of the Cavernous Sinus? Macro- and Microscopic Anatomical Study Using Sheet Plastination

2013 ◽  
Vol 73 (suppl_1) ◽  
pp. ons106-ons110 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuling Diao ◽  
Liang Liang ◽  
Chunjiang Yu ◽  
Ming Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Pituitary Gland ◽  
Cavernous Sinus ◽  
Anatomical Study ◽  
Pituitary Surgery ◽  
Middle Cranial Fossa ◽  
Medial Wall ◽  
Fibrous Network ◽  
Cranial Fossa ◽  
Dural Wall ◽  
Age Range

Abstract BACKGROUND: The medial wall of the cavernous sinus is believed to play a significant role in determining the direction of growth of pituitary adenomas and in planning pituitary surgery. However, it remains unclear whether there is a dural wall between the pituitary gland and the cavernous sinus. OBJECTIVE: To identify and trace the membranelike structures medial to the cavernous sinus and around the pituitary gland and their relationships with surrounding structures. METHODS: Sixteen cadavers (7 females and 9 males; age range, 54-89 years; mean age, 77 years) were used in this study and prepared as 16 sets of transverse (5 sets), coronal (2 sets), and sagittal (9 sets) plastinated sections that were examined at both macro- and microscopic levels. RESULTS: The pituitary gland was fully enclosed in a fibrous capsule, but the components between the anterosuperior aspect of the gland capsule and the cavernous sinus. Posteroinferiorly, however, this dural layer disappeared as it fused with the capsule. A weblike loose fibrous network connected the capsule, carotid artery, venous plexus, and the dura of the middle cranial fossa. CONCLUSION: The medial wall of the cavernous sinus consists of both the meningeal dura and weblike loose fibrous network, which are located at the anterosuperior and posteroinferior aspects, respectively.

scholarly journals Prediction of cavernous sinus invasion in patients with Cushing’s disease by magnetic resonance imaging

2019 ◽  
Vol 130 (5) ◽  
pp. 1593-1598 ◽  
Author(s):  
Panagiotis Mastorakos ◽  
Davis G. Taylor ◽  
Ching-Jen Chen ◽  
Thomas Buell ◽  
Joseph H. Donahue ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cavernous Sinus ◽  
Cushing’S Disease ◽  
Predictive Value ◽  
Radiographic Finding ◽  
Positive Likelihood Ratio ◽  
Cushing's Disease ◽  
Preoperative Imaging ◽  
Mri Findings ◽  
Cavernous Sinus Invasion ◽  
Pituitary Lesion

OBJECTIVECavernous sinus invasion (CSI) in Cushing’s disease (CD) negatively affects the probability of complete resection, biochemical cure, and need for adjuvant therapy. However, the prediction of CSI based on MRI findings has been inconsistent and variable. Among macroadenomas, the Knosp classification is the most widely utilized radiographic predictor of CSI, but its accuracy in predicting CSI and the probability of gross-total resection is limited in the setting of microadenomas or Knosp grade 0–2 macroadenomas. The authors noticed that the presence of a triangular shape of adenomas adjacent to the cavernous sinus on coronal MR images is frequently associated with CSI. The authors aimed to determine the correlation of this radiographic finding (“sail sign” [SS]) with CSI.METHODSThe authors performed a retrospective review of all patients with a pituitary lesion < 20 mm and a biochemical diagnosis of CD treated with endoscopic or microscopic transsphenoidal resection from November 2007 to May 2017. Overall 185 patients with CD were identified: 27 were excluded for negative preoperative imaging, 32 for lacking tumors adjacent to the sinus, 7 for Knosp grade 3 or higher, and 4 for inadequate intraoperative assessment of the CSI. Following application of inclusion and exclusion criteria, 115 cases were available for statistical analysis. Intraoperative CSI was prospectively evaluated at the time of surgery by one of two neurosurgical attending surgeons, and MRI data were evaluated retrospectively by a neurosurgical resident and attending neuroradiologist blinded to the intraoperative results.RESULTSA positive SS was identified in 23 patients (20%). Among patients with positive SS, 91% demonstrated CSI compared to 10% without an SS (p < 0.001). Using the SS as a predictor of CSI provided a sensitivity of 0.7 and a specificity of 0.98, with a positive predictive value (PPV) of 0.91 and a negative predictive value of 0.9. Among patients with positive SS, 30% did not achieve immediate postoperative remission, compared to 3.3% of patients without an SS (p < 0.001).CONCLUSIONSThe presence of a positive SS among Cushing’s adenomas adjacent to the CS provides strong PPV, specificity, and positive likelihood ratio for the prediction of CSI. This can be a useful tool for preoperative planning and for predicting the likelihood of long-term biochemical remission and the need for adjuvant radiosurgery.

scholarly journals Magnetic resonance imaging of cavernous sinus invasion by pituitary adenoma diagnostic criteria and surgical findings

2004 ◽  
Vol 62 (2b) ◽  
pp. 437-443 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joaquim O. Vieira Jr. ◽  
Arthur Cukiert ◽  
Bernardo Liberman
Keyword(s):  
Pituitary Adenoma ◽  
Pituitary Gland ◽  
Cavernous Sinus ◽  
Predictive Value ◽  
Lateral Wall ◽  
Preoperative Imaging ◽  
Cavernous Sinus Invasion ◽  
Normal Pituitary Gland ◽  
Sensitivity Specificity ◽  
Dural Wall

This study used MRI to define preoperative imaging criteria for cavernous sinus invasion (CSI) by pituitary adenoma (PA). MR images of 103 patients with PA submitted to surgery (48 with CSI) were retrospectively reviewed. The following MR signs were studied and compared to intraoperative findings (the latter were considered the gold standard for CSI detection): presence of normal pituitary gland between the adenoma and CS, status of the CS venous compartments, CS size, CS lateral wall bulging, displacement of the intracavernous internal carotid artery (ICA) by adenoma, grade of parasellar extension (Knosp-Steiner classification) and percentage of intracavernous ICA encased by the tumor. Statistical analysis was performed using qui-square testing and sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) were obtained for each MR finding. The following signs have been found to represent accurate criteria for non-invasion of the CS: 1- normal pituitary gland interposed between the adenoma and the CS (PPV, 100%); 2- intact medial venous compartment (PPV, 100%); 3- percentage of encasement of the intracavernous ICA lower than 25% (NPV, 100%) and 4- medial intercarotid line not crossed by the tumor (NPV, 100%). Criteria for CSI were: 1- percentage of encasement of the intracavernous ICA higher than 45%; 2- occlusion of three or more CS venous compartments and 3- occlusion of the CS lateral venous compartment. The CS was very likely to be invaded if the inferior venous compartment was not detected (PPV. 92,8%), if the lateral intercarotid line was crossed (PPV. 96,1%) or if a bulging lateral dural wall of the CS was seen (PPV, 92,3%). The preoperative diagnosis of CSI by PA is extremely important since endocrinological remission is rarely obtained after microsurgery alone in patients with invasive tumors. The above mentioned MR imaging criteria may be useful in advising most of the patients preoperatively on the potential need for complimentary therapy after surgery.

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