The Digital Sella Turcica X-ray is a diagnostic imaging procedure used to evaluate the sella turcica, a saddle-shaped depression in the sphenoid bone of the skull where the pituitary gland is located. This X-ray helps assess the structure, shape, and size of the sella turcica, allowing for the detection of various abnormalities and conditions.
 
Applications: The X-ray of the sella turcica is utilized to diagnose:
Pituitary Tumors: Abnormal growths of the pituitary gland.
Hemorrhages: Bleeding in the sella turcica area due to trauma or complications.
Empty Sella Syndrome: A condition where the pituitary gland is compressed or flattened.
Tuberculous Meningitis: Inflammation of the brain and its membranes caused by tuberculosis.
Osteoma: Benign bone tumors in the sella turcica.
 
Indications: The X-ray is typically ordered in cases such as:
Headaches: Pain localized around the eye area, visual disturbances, or significant tearing.
Suspected Empty Sella Syndrome: When there is compression of the pituitary gland.
Brain Inflammation: For diagnosing inflammatory processes affecting the brain.
Unexplained Head and Neck Pain: Pain with no clear cause.
Increased Intracranial Pressure: Elevated pressure inside the skull.
Adrenal and Thyroid Dysfunction: Issues related to these glands.
Gigantism: Due to pituitary gland dysfunction.
Recent Head Trauma: Especially with symptoms suggesting pituitary injury.
 
Procedure:
Preparation: No special preparation is required, but all metallic items (jewelry, piercings) must be removed before the X-ray.
Process: The procedure takes about 5-10 minutes. The patient is positioned to obtain a clear image of the sella turcica, and the X-ray is performed.