Morphology, pneumatization, septation, and protrusion of nearby structures into the sphenoid sinus: A retrospective radiological study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.61751/bmbr/3.2024.25Keywords:
paranasal air sinuses, anatomy, vidian canal, optic nerve, presellar, sella turcicaAbstract
The morphology of the sphenoid sinus is critical in planning endoscopic sinus surgery, pituitary gland surgery,
cerebrospinal fluid leak repair, the management of chronic sphenoid sinusitis, and the evaluation of skull base tumours.
The objective of this study was to evaluate the morphology of the sphenoid sinus, with an emphasis on classification,
septation, protrusion of structures, and dehiscence of the bony covering. In this retrospective radiological study, the
morphology of the sphenoid sinus was analysed using 400 computed tomography scans. According to Hamberger’s
classification, the sphenoid sinus was classified into postsellar and presellar varieties. Additionally, the extent of
pneumatization of the pterygoid process, anterior clinoid process, and greater wing of the sphenoid was noted. The
anteroposterior, transverse, and vertical diameters of the sphenoid sinus were also measured. The relative positions
of the genu of the internal carotid artery, vidian canal, and intracanalicular optic nerve were also recorded. The mean
anteroposterior length, transverse length, and vertical length of the sphenoid sinus were found to be 29.3 (±2.8),
31.9 (±2.7), and 22.8 (±1.9) mm, respectively. The sellar type was found in 90% of subjects, while the remaining 10%
had the presellar type. Only two subjects had the concha type of sinus. A single septum was noted in 32% of cases. Pneumatization of the pterygoid process was found in 22.5%, the anterior clinoid process in 27%, and the greater wing
of the sphenoid in 21.25%. Optic nerve protrusion occurred in 24.5% of cases, and 23% of optic canals were dehiscent.
The findings of this study hold significant relevance for neurosurgery, particularly in procedures involving the skull
base, such as transsphenoidal surgery and optic nerve decompression
Received: 29.05.2024 | Revised: 01.08.2024 | Accepted: 30.08.2024
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