A Computed Tomographic Study on the
Anatomic Variations of the Sphenoid Sinus
and Its Related Structures in a North
Karnataka Population
1262-1265
Correspondence
Dr. Rudresh Hiremath
Associate Professor, Department of Radio-diagnosis,
KVG Medical College & Hospital, Sullia,
Dakshina Kannada-574 327 Karnataka, India.
Phone: +91-9945560627
E-mail: drrudresh76@yahoo.co.in
Objective:
To evaluate the prevalence of the variations of the sphenoid sinus and their effects on the adjacent neurovascular structures.
Materials and Methods:
We undertook a prospective study on 400 North Karnataka patients; coronal and axial sections were taken and assessed for various parameters like pneumatization of the pterygoid process, the anterior clinoid process and the greater wing of the sphenoid and protrusion and dehiscence of the internal carotid artery, the optic nerve, the maxillary nerve and the Vidin nerve.
Results:
Pneumatization of the pterygoid process, the anterior clinoid process and the greater wing of the sphenoid were seen in 31%, 15%, and 12.75% patients respectively. Protrusion of the internal carotid artery, the optic nerve, the maxillary nerve and the vidian nerve were noticed in 7%, 10%, 12.25% and 31% patients respectively; dehiscence of these structures was encountered in 3%, 5%, 2.75% and 7.75% patients respectively.
Conclusion:
The sphenoid sinus is a highly variable structure with varying degrees of pneumatization. Knowledge on the anatomic variations of the sphenoid sinus and its related structures is important to avoid the complications of surgery and the unusual symptoms which result from the sphenoid sinus infection.