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Acta Neurochirurgica

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01-08-2009 | Anatomical Investigation

Medial wall of the cavernous sinus: microanatomical diaphanoscopic and episcopic investigation

Authors: Ulrich J. Knappe, Moritz A. Konerding, Robert Schoenmayr

Published in: Acta Neurochirurgica | Issue 8/2009

Abstract

Purpose

To elucidate the question whether expansion of pituitary adenomas into the cavernous sinus (CS) has to be regarded as focal penetration rather than invasion, a microanatomical study of the medial wall (MW) of the CS was performed.

Method

Fourteen sellar hemiblocks underwent microsurgical dissection from lateral and medial approach. The thickness of the MW of the CS was examined by diaphanoscopy.

Findings

The internal carotid artery (ICA) was adherent to the MW in five cases. In five specimens the lateral wall of the sella turcica consisted of a single layer without perforations. In nine cases this wall had two layers. There was no perforation of both layers in any case. Diaphanoscopy revealed thin MW in the lateral border of the sella (n = 13), below the horizontal segment of the ICA (n = 10), and antero-inferiorly to the carotid syphon (n = 9).

Conclusions

Expansion into the CS may be facilitated by low anatomical resistance against chronic tumor growth.

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Title: Medial wall of the cavernous sinus: microanatomical diaphanoscopic and episcopic investigation
Authors: Ulrich J. Knappe
Moritz A. Konerding
Robert Schoenmayr
Publication date: 01-08-2009
Publisher: Springer Vienna
Published in: Acta Neurochirurgica / Issue 8/2009
Print ISSN: 0001-6268
Electronic ISSN: 0942-0940
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00701-009-0340-3

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Springer Medicine

Medial wall of the cavernous sinus: microanatomical diaphanoscopic and episcopic investigation

Abstract

Purpose

Method

Findings

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Method

Findings

Conclusions

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