Role of Computed Tomography in Evaluation of Anatomical Variations of Sphenoid Sinus and Related Structures

Dr. Zulequa Soharwardi, Dr. Prashant G Patil, Dr. Ashok Kumar

Abstract: Background: Understanding anatomy and its normal variations is essential to comprehending abnormal processes in radiology. Pneumatization of the sphenoid sinus (SS) can be seen as early as nine months of age. The SS shows variations in size, pneumatization, and pattern of septations, which lead to differences in the segmentation of SS. The pneumatization can extend into the greater wing of sphenoid, pterygoid process, clivus, and sometimes into the anterior clinoid process. Understanding these variations and their consequences enables us to prevent iatrogenic difficulties in surgery, predict the sequelae of brain lesions, intra operative guiding, and draw attention to the presence of these variants for the surgeon. Aims: To demonstrate the anatomical variations of sphenoid sinus and related structures on computed tomography to help in the trans - sphenoidal and functional endoscopic sinus surgery and reduce complications due to it. Conclusion: Sphenoid sinus is a highly variable structure with varying degree of pneumatization. A comprehensive knowledge of the variable regional anatomy of the sphenoid sinus will undoubtedly reduce the surgical complications associated with transsphenoidal and functional endoscopic sinus surgery.

Keywords: Computed tomography, Sphenoid sinus, Variants of sphenoid sinus, Dehiscence of neurovascular structures