Alteration in Size and Configuration of the Sella Turcica as the Result of Prolonged Cerebrospinal Fluid Shunting

Prolonged cerebrospinal fluid shunting procedures may cause a marked reduction in the size of the sella turcica, resulting in a “small sella turcica.” If the diaphragma sellae is intact, the sella will be protected from the effects of the pulsations and pressure of the cerebrospinal fluid, and the sella will not participate in remodeling of the base and calvarium. Changes of the base of the skull, described by the authors, are reversible.