1. Sella Turcica

2. Sella Turcica series is largely obsolete!
If film readout is negative, could be diagnostic x-ray not sensitive enough to detect problem - need an MRI or CT
If positive, patient sent to CT or MRI for more detailed evaluation anyway
(CT for bone, MRI for soft tissue)

3. Where is the Sella Turcica?

4. 1 Sphenoid
bone

5. Sella Turcica - lateral view
Superior surface of Sphenoid
hypophysis = pituitary gland

6. Literally means “Turkish Saddle”

11. Camel Toes

12. Sella Turcica- floor of cranium view

13. Pituitary Gland sits inside Sella Turcica
Once thought to be master gland- itself is regulated by hormones from hypothalamus
Controls release of hormones to thyroid, gonads, adrenal cortex (growth, maturation, reproduction)

14. Results of Pituitary tumors
Giantism
Pituitary gland releases
growth hormone
uncontrollably
Died at age 22 from complications of heel blister
Robert Wadlow 8’ 11’’
Shoe salesman

15. Sandy Allen
7 feet 7 ¼ inches Tall

16. Dwarfism More than 200 different kinds
Pituitary gland just one cause of many
Pituitary gland deficient output growth hormone due to genetics or brain injury
Defined as adult under 4 feet 10 inches tall (?)

19. Sella Turcica Projections
PA axial
Lateral

20. PA Axial - SellaTurcica
Head and nose rest on IR ( like Skull)
CR 10 degrees cephalic
CR exits at Glabella
Collimate to 4” X4”

21. PA Axial - Sella Turcica
Imae

22. Evaluation Criteria - PA Axial Sella X-ray
No rotation of cranium
Symmetric petrous ridges
Close beam restriction!

23. Lateral Sella Turcica Anterior Clinoids A B Sphenoid sinus C D E
Posterior Clinoids
Dorsum Sellae
Hypophysis (pituitary)
Sphenoid sinus A B C D E

24. Sella Turcica -Lateral
Mid-sagittal plane is parallel with plane of IR
IPL is perpendicular to IR
IOML is parallel with transverse axis of film
i.e.--same as Lateral skull and sinus and facial bones!

25. Sella Turcica -lateral cont’d
Upright or semi-prone (crosstable)
8X10 cassette
CR perpendicular to IR 3/4”anterior, 3/4” superior to EAM
Collimate to about 4” by 4”

26. Evaluation Criteria - Sella Turcica
Sella in center of film
Sella Turcica not rotated
Anterior clinoids superimposed
Posterior clinoids superimposed
Close beam restriction

27. The End!