[The diagnostic value of pneumotomoencephalography in patholigic processes in the region of the sella turcica].

The pneumotomoencephalographic procedure applied by the authors in pathological processes in the region of sella turcica is indicated in cases when during pneumocisternography the air fails to fully fill the chiasmal cisternae and it is impossible to obtain a clearcut idea about the presence and the size of the tumour. In such instances an additional introduction of 8--10 ml of air into the ventricular system permits it with a changed position of the patient's head to distinctly see on the tomogram the condition of the anterio-inferior portion of the III ventricle, which is the first to suffer from the compression or newgrowth proliferation in the region of sella turcica and in this way to obtain the primary roentgenological signs in the form of its filing defects. Pneumotomoencephalography was helpful in examining 74 patients with tumours in the region of sella turcica and suffering from sequelae of inflammatory affections. In all of these cases pneumotomoencephalography furnished better diagnostic results than did pneumocisternography. In the case of large-sized tumours compressing the CSF passages this procedure helps to readily establish the lower level of their occlusion.