Figure 3. High resolution 3D imaging reconstruction of the sella turcica in a volunteer (courtesy of Prof Mark Gurnell, Cambridge, UK). These detailed scans are proving invaluable in planning the surgical approach for transsphenoidal adenectomy, especially where vascular anomalies are expected.
A) Section across the roof of the sella with the optic nerves and chiasm (green) in situ revealing the intimate relationship between the chiasm and the pituitary gland (turquoise).
B) A similar level with the optic nerve and chiasm removed.
C) Detail of the sella region showing the relationship between the pituitary gland and stalk (turquoise), base of hypothalamus (orange), and internal carotid arteries (red).