Objective: Explore the anatomic variations of adult sphenoid sinus and delineate the precise relationship between sphenoid sinus and adjacent structures.
Methods: Using multi planner reformation (MPR), the images of 260 spiral computed tomography (CT) scans were reviewed through a doctor station.
Results: The sphenoid was divided into 6 types: no development, conchal, pre-sellar, half-sellar, full-sellar and post-sellar. The prevalence was 0.19%, 1.54%, 8.08%, 22.88%, 20.58% and 46.73% respectively. And there was no difference between left and right. The prevalence of accessory septa or bone spur inside sphenoid sinus was 51.5%. With the gasification spreading, the prevalence was rising. And there was statistical significance among them. The dorsum sella was divided into three types: I, II, III. And its prevalence was 48.08%, 25.19% and 26.73% respectively. The difference of sphenoethmoid distribution among the various type sinus had no statistical significance. The prevalence of vidian canal and foramen rotundum protrusion was 39.2% and 15.8% respectively. And all occurred in pterygoid process cells. Internal carotid artery (ICA) was divided into 4 types. And the prevalence of type 0 to 3 was 13.5%, 50.0%, 26.9% and 9.6% respectively. With the gasification spreading, the prevalence of types 2, 3 was rising. And there were statistical significance among them. The prevalence of type 0 to 4 CNII was 4.4%, 19.2%, 26.0%, 29.0% and 21.4% respectively. With the gasification spreading, the prevalence of type 3, 4 CNII was rising. And the difference had statistical significance.
Conclusion: MPR and multislice spiral CT can facilitate a precise study of anatomic variations in adult sphenoid sinus and delineate the relationships between sphenoid sinus and adjacent structures. Caution must be exercised during sphenoid and trans-sphenoid surgery to minimize the risk of inadvertently injuring the adjacent structures.