Anterior and Central Skull Base Tumors: Key Points for the Radiologist to Analyze Prior to Endoscopic Approaches.

Abstract

Initially developed as a minimally invasive technique to approach inflammatory conditions, transnasal endoscopic surgery has progressively expanded its anatomic targets and clinical indications. Consequently, numerous surgical approaches to the anterior and central skull base were developed, referred to as extended endonasal approaches (EEA). The intrinsic advantage of EEA is the exploitation of a natural corridor provided by sinonasal airspaces, with no need for skin incision and osteotomy and limited soft tissue damage. In this context, imaging plays essential role, demonstrating the relevant anatomic relationships of the lesion, the proper surgical corridor, the anatomic variants that may increase the surgical risk.