Objective: At our institution, skull base reconstruction using a free mucosal graft from the nasal cavity floor has been the standardized technique after pituitary adenoma resection via transsellar approach. In this study, the expected appearance of the reconstruction on postoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans is described and its integrity and impact on the sinonasal cavity are assessed.
Methods: Fifty patients were selected, and their electronic medical records were reviewed for postoperative course, Sino-Nasal Outcome Test-22 (SNOT-22) scores, and nasal endoscopy reports. A total of 116 postoperative MRI scans were available to evaluate 1) the appearance and thickness of the graft, 2) the enhancement of the graft, and 3) the T2 signal in sphenoid sinus as a potential indication for inflammatory disease.
Results: There was no significant change in the thickness of the graft over time. Except for the 7 scans that were obtained without intravenous contrast, all scans showed enhancement of the graft. About half of the patients showed persistent T2 hyperintense signal at 12 and 24 months. However, this finding was not clinically significant, because postoperative SNOT-22 scores showed minimal sinonasal impact.
Conclusions: Postoperative MRI surveillance scans showed a stable appearance of the graft that mimics the native mucosa, with enhancement through time, reflecting its robust vascularization and integration to the skull base. Although persistent T2 hyperintense signal was detected in the sphenoid sinus, clinical evidence based on nasal endoscopy reports and SNOT-22 scores indicated minimal sinonasal morbidity.
Keywords: Endoscopic endonasal pituitary surgery; Free mucosal graft; Magnetic resonance imaging; Skull base reconstruction.
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