[CT anatomy of the sella turcica and its environment].

If MRI is not considered because of its limited capacity, computed tomography has become an exclusive diagnostic method in recent years in our country for the radiologic visualization of the sella turcica and its vicinity. Interpretation of the findings of this method lies on the knowledge of normal anatomical situations and variations. In direct coronal sections the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, suprachiasmatic cystern, optic chiasm, infundibular recess, sellar flor and the nerves transversing the cavernous sinus are visualised. The axial sections are more suitable for the visualization of the posterior lobe of pituitary gland and dorsum sellae. The Meckel's cavity, infundibulum and the blood vessels around the sella turcica are seen in both sections. The paper presents findings on the optimal CT evaluation of the above anatomical structures and variations as related to their diagnostic value.