JRM
Journal of Radiology in Medicine

Journal of Radiology in Medicine is an international journal that published original research and articles in all areas of radiology. Its publishes original research articles, review articles, case reports, editorial commentaries, letters to the editor, educational articles, and conference/meeting announcements.

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Original Article
The relationship between anatomical measurements of the sella turcica and foramen magnum and their effect on nuchal fat thickness in patients with empty sella syndrome
Abstract
Aims: Empty sella (ES) is a radiological finding characterized by flattening of the pituitary gland and filling of the sella turcica with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). It is often associated with obesity and increased intracranial pressure (ICP). This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between anatomical measurements of the sella turcica and the foramen magnum (FM) in patients with ES and to investigate the potential association of these structures with nuchal subcutaneous fat thickness.
Methods: Thirty-one patients diagnosed with ES by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and 26 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were included in the study. Measurements of the sellar fossa included midsagittal narrow and wide diameters, craniocaudal depth, and transverse diameter. Additionally, FM anteroposterior and transverse diameters were measured. Nuchal subcutaneous fat thickness was also assessed at the FM level. Statistical analyses included group comparisons and correlation analyses.
Results: The ES group showed significantly larger narrow and wide diameters, as well as greater depth of the sellar fossa, compared to controls (p < 0,05). Although the anteroposterior diameter of the FM was similar between groups, the transverse diameter was significantly narrower in ES patients (p = 0,019). Nuchal subcutaneous fat thickness was significantly increased in the ES group compared to controls (p = 0,028). A strong positive correlation was observed between the wide diameter and the depth of the sellar fossa.
Conclusion: The significant enlargement of the sella turcica morphology and the narrowing of the FM transverse diameter in ES patients support the role of cranial bone structures and CSF dynamics in the pathogenesis of ES. Increased nuchal fat thickness may serve as a practical radiological indicator of obesity, which is commonly associated with ES.

Keywords : Empty sella syndrome, foramen magnum, obesity, sella turcica

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Article available in :
Volume 3, Issue 1, 2026
Page : 1-4
https://doi.org/10.51271/JRM-0041
Article Information
Received : 20 Kas 2025
Accepted : 27 Ara 2025
Published : 09 Mar 2026
Corresponding Author :

Methiye Batur: Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Van Yüzüncü Yıl University, Van, Turkiye

[email protected]
Citation : Batur M, Akyol ME, Türkoğlu S. The relationship between anatomical measurements of the sella turcica and foramen magnum and their effect on nuchal fat thickness in patients with empty sella syndrome. J Radiol Med. 2026;3(1):1-4.

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