Anatomical variations of sphenoid sinus and its related structures in North Indian population

Ankur Gupta; Anju Partap; Sanjiv Sharma; Vanita Sharma; Kunal Chawla

Volume : VIII, Issue : XII, December - 2019

Anatomical variations of sphenoid sinus and its related structures in North Indian population

Ankur Gupta, Anju Partap, Sanjiv Sharma, Vanita Sharma, Kunal Chawla

Abstract :

The sphenoid sinuses are deeply seated in the skull and is most inaccessible paranasal sinus in the skull. It is in close association with vital structures such as internal carotid artery, optic nerve and maxillary nerve. Variation in anatomy of sphenoid sinus is common and important to avoid serious complication in transshenoidal surgery. A study was conducted on 120 patients to find out prevalence in variation in sphenoid sinus at a tertiary health centre in North India. Analysis of MDCT, paranasal sinuses for protrusion and dehiscence of internal carotid artery, optic nerve and maxillary nerve. Protrusion of internal carotid artery, optic nerve and maxillary nerve was observed in 42.5%, 20.4% and 16.7% cases. Dehiscence of internal carotid artery, optic nerve and maxillary nerve was observed in 16.7%, 42.5% and 17.5% cases. Prior knowledge of variant anatomy of sphenoid sinus will reduce surgical complication associated with trans sphenoidal and functional endoscopic surgeries.