A Computed Tomography Study of the Sella Turcica in Chiari Malformation Type 2

Abstract

Objective:To reveal differences in morphology of the sella turcica (ST) in patients with Chiari malformation type 2 (CMT2) by comparison normal subjects.Methods:Computed tomography slices of 46 CMT2 (sex: 22 females and 24 males, and mean age: 8.80 +/- 5.87 y) and 46 controls (sex: 22 females and 24 males, and mean age: 8.48 +/- 5.13 y).Results:Patients with CMT2 had statistically similar ST size (its surface area, height, width, length, and diameter) to controls. Four configurations regarding Axelsson shape types were detected in CMT2s (normal sella: 71.70%, oblique anterior wall: 15.30%, irregularity: 6.50%, and pyramidal shape of the dorsum sellae: 6.50%) and controls (normal sella: 76.10%, oblique anterior wall: 10.90%, irregularity: 6.50%, and pyramidal shape of the dorsum sellae: 6.50%). Three configurations regarding Camp shape types were detected in CMT2s (oval: 28.30%, round: 67.40%, and flattened: 4.30%) and controls (oval: 26.10%, round: 71.70%, and flattened: 2.20%). CMT2 did not correlate with Axelsson (P=0.942) or Camp (P=0.804) shape types.Conclusion:The authors' computed tomography study displays that ST size and shape in CMT2s were similar to that of healthy subjects.