Eustachian tube communicating with sphenoid sinus: report of a novel anatomical variant

Surg Radiol Anat. 2017 Apr;39(4):461-465. doi: 10.1007/s00276-016-1740-8. Epub 2016 Sep 21.

Abstract

Reports of congenital anomalies of the Eustachian Tube (ET) are scarce, and often associated with chromosomal abnormalities. We report a unique case of a completely bony left Eustachian tube which communicated with the sphenoid sinus. This report details these findings and discusses the potential embryological basis and implications of such an unusual anatomy, in the context of a comprehensive literature review.

Keywords: Anatomy; Development; Embryology; Eustachian tube; Paranasal sinuses; Sinus; Sphenoid.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anatomic Variation*
  • Carotid Artery, Internal / diagnostic imaging
  • Eustachian Tube / abnormalities*
  • Eustachian Tube / blood supply
  • Eustachian Tube / diagnostic imaging
  • Eustachian Tube / pathology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Incidental Findings
  • Mastoid / diagnostic imaging
  • Middle Aged
  • Ossification, Heterotopic / diagnostic imaging*
  • Sphenoid Sinus / abnormalities*
  • Sphenoid Sinus / blood supply
  • Sphenoid Sinus / diagnostic imaging
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed