title: MRI evaluation of the sphenoid sinus after transsphenoidal approach to the pituitary.
abstract: The transsphenoidal approach to the pituitary (TSA) is currently the most common approach used to treat pituitary tumors. The surgical technique necessitates an incomplete stripping of sphenoid sinus mucosa. Long-term postoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) evaluation of the sphenoid sinus has not been reported. A retrospective review of patients undergoing a TSA at the University of Washington Hospitals was performed. Preoperative scans were compared with postoperative scans done during three time intervals. Group 1 had scans at 1 to 12 weeks postoperatively; 10 of 10 patients had sinus effusions. Group 2 had scans at 6 to 18 months post-operatively; 22 of 31 had mucosal abnormalities. Group 3 had scans at 2 to 3 years; 7 of 9 were abnormal. MRI evaluation indicates that a majority of patients have both acute and chronic sphenoid sinus abnormalities after TSA.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle.
authors.forename: K O
authors.initials: KO
authors.lastname: Stickney
authors.forename: E A
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: Weymuller
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Mayberg
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D005355:Fibrosis; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D009092:Mucous Membrane / Q000473:pathology; D010911:Pituitary Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013101:Sphenoid Sinus / Q000473:pathology*; D015524:Sphenoid Sinusitis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology; D013997:Time Factors