Some Aspects of the Radiological Anatomy of the Pituitary Gland and Its Relationship to Surrounding Structures

The position of the diaphragma sellae in the lateral radiograph of the skull has been demonstrated by (a) the insertion of radio-opaque markers into the diaphragma sellae, (b) the introduction of positive contrast medium into the pituitary fossa, and (c) the introduction of positive contrast medium into the cisterna interpeduncularis. 2. The relationship of the third cranial nerve to the pituitary fossa has been shown in both the lateral and 25 deg. tilt fronto-occipital radiographs by the placing of radio-opaque rings around the nerve. 3. The relationship of the lateral margins of the pituitary gland to the width of the dorsum sellae has been shown on the 25 deg. tilt fronto-occipital radiograph, by the introduction of pins vertically into the floor of the pituitary fossa, at the lateral margins of the pituitary gland. 4. The magnification of the pituitary fossa on standard lateral and 25 deg. tilt fronto-occipital radiographs as obtained with the Lysholm skull radiographic unit has been measured in 20 normal adults. 5. It is suggested that this information is of value in pituitary implantation with radioactive materials. This preliminary investigation is presented pending examination of a larger series.