<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> Pneumatization of the sphenoid sinus (SS) varies widely among different ethnic groups. Information regarding the prevalence and significance of SS variants among Hispanic groups is limited. This study aims to describe and analyze pneumatization and septation patterns of the SS in a Hispanic population. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> A total of 160 paranasal sinus computed tomographies were reviewed by a head and neck-specialized radiologist and 2 otolaryngologists. <b><i>Results:</i></b> The postsellar and sellar types were the most frequent patterns of pneumatization observed, with a prevalence of 52.5 and 40%, respectively. Accessory septations were present in 59.4% of the patients. Septa were inserting over the internal carotid artery (ICA) in 43.8% and over the optic nerve in 17.5% of the population. No significant association (<i>p</i> &#x3e; 0.05) was observed when comparing the different accessory septation patterns among the types of the SS. The frequency of septa inserting on the ICA was significantly higher in postsellar types (<i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.001). Pneumatization of the anterior clinoid process, pterygoid processes, and greater wing was present in 20, 17.5, and 45.9% of the sinuses, respectively. Onodi cells were encountered in 40% of the sinuses. There were no significant differences in any of the pneumatization and septation variables when compared by gender and age (<i>p</i> &#x3e; 0.05). <b><i>Discussion/Conclusion:</i></b> Differences regarding anatomical variants and septations of the SS were observed in our study when compared with findings reported in other ethnic groups. Preoperative assessment of the anatomical variants of the SS in Mexican patients is imperative to select the most optimal surgical approach and prevent iatrogenic injuries to related neurovascular structures.

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<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> Deep neck infections (DNIs) are abscesses located in the profound spaces of the neck and constitute one of the most common otolaryngological life-threatening emergencies. The aim of this study is to review the clinical and demographic data of patients with DNI and identify factors associated with prolonged hospitalization, reoperation, and mortality. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Retrospective review and analysis of 75 patients with DNI admitted from January 2015 to December 2019 in a tertiary referral hospital. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Of 75 patients, 50 (66.6%) were males and 25 (33.3%) females. Age ranged from 18 to 91 years with a mean of 41.79 (±15.48). DNIs were odontogenic in 49 patients (65.3%). History of diabetes mellitus (DM) was positive in 26 patients (34.6%). The submandibular space was involved in 57 patients (76%). <i>Streptococcus</i> spp. were isolated in 35 patients (46%). Intubation for airway preservation was needed in 21 patients (28%) and tracheostomy in 6 (8%). Mediastinitis presented in 8 patients (10.67%), with a mortality rate of 62.5% (<i>n</i> = 5). Mean hospital stay was 9.13 days (±7.2). DM (<i>p</i> = 0.016), age (<i>p</i> = 0.001), BMI classification 3, 4, and 6 (<i>p</i> = 0.041), and intensive care unit (ICU) admission (<i>p</i> = 0.009) were associated with a longer stay. Surgical drainage was performed after 1.71 days (±1.65). Surgical reintervention was needed in 6 cases (8%) and was associated with temporal (<i>p</i> = 0.001) and masticator (<i>p</i> = 0.002) space involvement and DM (<i>p</i> = 0.009). Overall mortality was 8% and decreased to 1.5% when mediastinitis was excluded. Mediastinitis (<i>p</i> = 0.001), ICU admission (<i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.0001), <i>Streptococcus</i> spp. (<i>p</i> = 0.019), and low hemoglobin levels (<i>p</i> = 0.004) were associated with mortality. <b><i>Discussion/Conclusion:</i></b> DNIs are entities associated with high morbimortality. Mediastinitis and airway obstruction are life-threatening possible complications and should be promptly evaluated. Low HB could be used as a predicting factor for mortality.

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Objective The prevalence of the optic canal anatomical variants across the sphenoid sinus varies widely among different ethnic groups. This study aimed to analyse the anatomical variants of the optic canal and their relationship to sphenoid sinus pneumatisation in a Hispanic population. Method A review of 320 sphenoid sinuses by high-resolution computed tomography was performed. DeLano's classification of the optic canal, presence of dehiscence, septa insertion, sphenoid sinus pneumatisation and presence of Onodi cells were established. Results Dehiscence of the optic canal was observed in 4.7 per cent (n = 15) of the analysed sinuses. Type 4 and 3 optic canals were significantly more frequent among postsellar sphenoid sinuses than other patterns of sphenoid sinus pneumatisation (p = 0.002 and p = 0.018). A type 4 optic canal has a higher tendency to present inserted septum than other optic canal types (p = 0.014). Conclusion This study described the optic canal variants in a Hispanic population, which complements existing literature addressing other ethnicities.