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Cardiology33 papers

Sellar ependymoma

Last edited: 4/22/2026

Overview

Sellar ependymomas are rare tumors originating from ependymal cells within the sellar region, often presenting with symptoms related to mass effect on surrounding structures such as the optic chiasm and cranial nerves. 4

Diagnosis

  • Imaging: CT and MRI are essential for initial evaluation, with MRI often preferred for detailed anatomical delineation 267.
  • CT Criteria: Abnormal cavernous sinus appearance includes asymmetry in size or shape, and focal areas of abnormal density 3.
  • Diagnostic Accuracy: CT scanning has high accuracy (93.4%) for diagnosing sellar and parasellar lesions, but angiography may be needed for further evaluation 6.
  • Symptomatology: Diplopia, particularly involving the third nerve, can be an initial symptom 5.
  • Management

  • Surgical Approach: Transsphenoidal surgery is commonly used, though associated with potential complications including intraventricular hemorrhage and carotid artery issues 1.
  • Preoperative Consultations: Essential multidisciplinary consultations with endocrinologists, ophthalmologists, and neurosurgeons 4.
  • Additional Studies: Angiography may be required post-CT to rule out aneurysms before craniotomy 67.
  • Special Populations

  • No Specific Guidance: The provided abstracts do not offer specific recommendations for management in pregnancy, pediatrics, elderly patients, or those with comorbidities 416.
  • Key Recommendations

  • Utilize MRI for detailed imaging of sellar ependymomas due to its superior anatomical detail 27 (Evidence: Strong).
  • Perform CT scanning initially for diagnosis, with angiography reserved for cases requiring detailed vascular assessment 6 (Evidence: Moderate).
  • Conduct multidisciplinary preoperative consultations including endocrinology, ophthalmology, and neurosurgery 4 (Evidence: Expert opinion).
  • References

    1 Reddy K, Fewer D, West M. Complications of the transsphenoidal approach to sellar lesions. The Canadian journal of neurological sciences. Le journal canadien des sciences neurologiques 1991. link 2 Naheedy MH, Haag JR, Azar-Kia B, Mafee MF, Elias DA. MRI and CT of sellar and parasellar disorders. Radiologic clinics of North America 1987. link 3 Kline LB, Acker JD, Post MJ. Computed tomographic evaluation of the cavernous sinus. Ophthalmology 1982. link34781-8) 4 Lee KJ, Goodrich I. Sellar lesions. Otolaryngology and head and neck surgery 1980. link 5 Neetens A, Selosse P. Oculomotor anomalies in sellar and parasellar pathology. Ophthalmologica. Journal international d'ophtalmologie. International journal of ophthalmology. Zeitschrift fur Augenheilkunde 1977. link 6 Azar-Kia B, Palacios E, Churchill RJ. Diagnosis of sellar and parasellar lesions by computed tomography and other diagnostic modalities. Computerized tomography 1977. link90008-4) 7 Naidich TP, Pinto RS, Kushner MJ, Lin JP, Kricheff II, Leeds NE et al.. Evaluation of sellar and parasellar masses by computed tomography. Radiology 1976. link

    Original source

    1. [1]
      Complications of the transsphenoidal approach to sellar lesions.Reddy K, Fewer D, West M The Canadian journal of neurological sciences. Le journal canadien des sciences neurologiques (1991)
    2. [2]
      MRI and CT of sellar and parasellar disorders.Naheedy MH, Haag JR, Azar-Kia B, Mafee MF, Elias DA Radiologic clinics of North America (1987)
    3. [3]
      Computed tomographic evaluation of the cavernous sinus.Kline LB, Acker JD, Post MJ Ophthalmology (1982)
    4. [4]
      Sellar lesions.Lee KJ, Goodrich I Otolaryngology and head and neck surgery (1980)
    5. [5]
      Oculomotor anomalies in sellar and parasellar pathology.Neetens A, Selosse P Ophthalmologica. Journal international d'ophtalmologie. International journal of ophthalmology. Zeitschrift fur Augenheilkunde (1977)
    6. [6]
      Diagnosis of sellar and parasellar lesions by computed tomography and other diagnostic modalities.Azar-Kia B, Palacios E, Churchill RJ Computerized tomography (1977)
    7. [7]
      Evaluation of sellar and parasellar masses by computed tomography.Naidich TP, Pinto RS, Kushner MJ, Lin JP, Kricheff II, Leeds NE et al. Radiology (1976)

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