Angiographic Protocol of the Parasellar Region

Abstract

The parasellar region is one of the most important areas of the base of the skull. It contains in a small space numerous cranial nerves (IIIrd to VIth) and the major artery to the brain (internal carotid artery), as well as an important venous plexus draining the brain and the eye. Although deeply situated, the bony surroundings of this region represent a possibility for direct traumatism to these neurovascular structures. The major vascular characteristic of this area is its normal and constant supply from the external carotid branches (see Chapter 2), but internal carotid and vertebral supplies should not be overlooked (Fig. 15.1).