Cone beam computed tomography evaluation of sphenoid sinus in different sagittal skeletal pattern.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to explore sphenoid sinus variations in individuals with various sagittal skeletal anomalies using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).

Materials and methods: We retrospectively analyzed sphenoid sinus pneumatization on CBCT images of 126 patients aged 18-86 years. The anteroposterior skeletal relationships of the maxilla and mandible were classified as skeletal class I, II or III using the A point-nasion-B point (ANB) angle measured in the sagittal plane. The extensions of the sphenoid sinus were evaluated on three planes including axial, sagittal and coronal sections.

Results: The study population consisted of 84 females (66.7%) and 42 males (33.3%), including 52 (41.3%) class I, 38 (30.1%) class II, and 36 (28.6%) class III cases. The conchal type of sphenoid sinus was not encountered. Presellar sinuses were detected in only 3 (5.8%) class I cases. Incomplete sinuses were detected in 16 (30.8%) class I, 7 (18.4%) class II, and 15 (41.7%) class III cases. Complete sinuses were detected in 33 (63.4%) class I, 31 (81.6%) class II, and 21 (58.3%) class III cases. Lateral extensions were found in 103 (40.9%) of the 252 sinus walls: 33 (31.7%) in class I, 45 (59.2%) in class II, and 25 (34.7%) in class III sinuses.

Conclusion: Regional sphenoid sinus anatomy can be carefully examined via CBCT. The sphenoid sinus pneumatization did not differ significantly in patients exhibiting different types of sagittal skeletal closure, with the exception of the lesser wing type.