Anatomical Variations of Sphenoid Sinus and Relationship with Neurovascular Structures. A Retrospective Analytical Study using Cone Beam Computed Tomography

Abstract

Introduction: One of the human body’s most diverse structures is thought to be the sphenoid sinus. This degree of variability is due to the great vulnerability of the sphenoid to pneumatization, which complicates surgical methods. The sphenoid sinus may interact closely with the cranial nerve II, optic nerve (ON) and internal branch of the carotid artery (ICA). CBCT is a useful option for assessing the anatomy presented in the maxillofacial region, as well as variability in this anatomy such as variable anatomical presentation of the sphenoid sinus. Aim of the study: we aimed in this study to assess the variable anatomical presentations of the sphenoid sinus and its relationship with the nearby nerves and vessels via CBCT and correlating our findings with the potential influencing forensic factors. Materials and methods: CBCT images were conducted on 51 scans selected randomly from the database. Two oral and maxillofacial radiologists assessed the scans, each of them has more than 10 years of experience. This was done in a darkened room. Sphenoid sinus pneumatization types and the relation with OP and ICA were assessed in each patient. Additionally, probable influential causes