Ra. Vandorpe et al., DIRECT SAMPLING OF THE CAVERNOUS SINUS IN CUSHINGS-DISEASE, Canadian Association of Radiologists journal, 45(3), 1994, pp. 234-237
Sampling of the petrosal sinus is a sensitive and accurate method of d
iagnosing Cushing's disease. Sampling of the inferior petrosal sinus h
as been performed with a steam-shaped no. 4 or 5 French soft catheter
in some centres. However, a recent report described two patients who s
uffered major injury to the brain stem as a result such sampling. The
authors describe a series of five patients who underwent simultaneous,
direct sampling of the cavernous sinuses with a Tracker microcatheter
(Target Therapeutics, Fremont, Calif.) for the diagnosis of Cushing's
disease. No complications occurred in this small group. The authors c
onclude that this procedure is a safe and accurate means of diagnosing
, Cushing's disease; the technique is also helpful in locating adrenoc
orticotropin-producing microadenoma.