Feasibility of transsphenoidal approach for hypothalamic biopsy based on a radiological evaluation of subchiasmatic corridor dimension

Abstract

Background: Surgical access to hypothalamic pathologies can be challenging. Recent case series demonstrate that the transsphenoidal approach to the hypothalamus can be safe and effective, however, may not be feasible in all patients. This study aims to investigate the feasibility of the endonasal transsphenoidal suprasellar subchiasmatic (ETSS) approach to the hypothalamus through a radiological evaluation of the subchiasmatic corridor dimension in an adult population.

Methods: A retrospective review of magnetic resonance imaging of the brain was performed on 164 consecutive adult patients at our institution, of which 100 patients were deemed eligible for inclusion. Measurements were obtained at the two narrowest points along the subchiasmatic corridor: the subchiamastic window, which is the face of the subchiasmatic corridor and the midpoint window, which is located in the middle of the subchiasmatic corridor. Based on defined parameters, including the subchasmiatic window width (SW), subchiasmatic window height (SH), midpoint window width (MW), and midpoint window height (MH), patients were dichotomised into groups: patients with subchiasmatic corridor measurements any dimension of less than 3 mm, or patients with dimensions greater than or equal to 3 mm.

Results: A total of 72 (72%) of the study population had dimensions of equal to or greater than 3 mm throughout the entirety of the subchiasmatic corridor, making hypothalamic biopsy feasible through the ETSS route for these patients.

Conclusion: Based on a radiological evaluation of the subchiasmatic corridor dimension in an Australian adult population, the majority of the population are suitable to undergo an endonasal transsphenoidal suprasellar subchiasmatic biopsy of the hypothalamus.

Keywords: Hypothalamic biopsy; Subchiasmatic corridor; Transsphenoidal.