From the Research
Diaphragma sellae is a small fold of dura mater that forms a roof over the pituitary fossa (sella turcica) in the skull, covering the pituitary gland and allowing the pituitary stalk to pass through. This structure is important anatomically as it provides protection to the pituitary gland while allowing for its necessary connection to the brain. The diaphragma sellae can vary in thickness and completeness between individuals, which can have clinical implications, such as affecting the growth of pituitary tumors or allowing for cerebrospinal fluid leakage in certain conditions 1. For example, if the opening is particularly large, it may allow for downward herniation of brain structures or cerebrospinal fluid leakage, while an unusually thick or complete diaphragma sellae might restrict the growth of pituitary tumors upward, potentially causing them to expand in other directions.
Key Points
- The diaphragma sellae is composed of two layers of dura mater, with a variable morphology of the opening, which can affect the growth of pituitary tumors 1.
- The average anteroposterior distance of the opening is 7.26 mm, and the average lateral-to-lateral distance is 7.33 mm, with a range of variations between individuals 1.
- The diaphragma sellae plays a crucial role in directing the pattern of growth of pituitary adenomas, and its morphology can be associated with specific malformation patterns in the sella turcica and pituitary gland 2.
- The development of the diaphragma sellae is a factor that determines the morphology of the sella turcica and its contents, and impaired formation of the diaphragma sellae may lead to the development of the empty-sella syndrome 3.
Clinical Implications
- The diaphragma sellae is an important consideration during transsphenoidal approaches to pituitary surgery, as surgeons must navigate around or through it to access the gland.
- Variations in the morphology of the diaphragma sellae can have significant clinical implications, such as affecting the growth of pituitary tumors or allowing for cerebrospinal fluid leakage in certain conditions.
- Understanding the anatomy and morphology of the diaphragma sellae is essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment of pituitary disorders, and for minimizing the risk of complications during surgical procedures.