CTVE images of sphenoid septa and their applications for transsphenoidal pituitary surgery

Objective To evaluate the CTVE images ofsphenoid septa and their value transsphenoidal pituitary surgery. Methods In 119 cases of transsphenoidal pituitary surgeries,the CTVE images of sphenoid sinus were reconstructed with the presurgical CT data at workstation,and then the sphenoid septa depicted on images were investigated. Results CTVE could display the sphenoid septa in a three-dimensional mode. 98 intersinus septa,77 small septa and 138 spurs were found in 119 cases of sphenoid sinus by CTVE. About 42.8% septa deviating laterally and terminating on the carotid arteries could be observed by transfer function volume rendering. About 17.3% intersinus septa terminating on the optic canals could be observed by heighten the threshold of CTVE. Conclusions CTVE can depict the sphenoid septa,their variations and the anatomical relation with underlying carotid artery and optic canal in a three-dimensional mode. CTVE can be a valuable tool for transsphenoidal pituitary surgery for depicting the sphenoid septa before the surgery and locating the anatomies during surgery.