Anatomic Variants of Sphenoid Sinuses and Adjacent Structures: A Study of 225 Skull CT Scans at CNHU-HKM in Benin, West Africa

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to describe anatomic variants of sphenoidal sinuses and adjacent structures. Methods: A retrospective and descriptive study was carried out at The National and University Teaching Hospital Hubert Koutoukou Maga (CNHU-HKM), of Cotonou in Benin from November 1st to December 31st. A review of CT scans skull was done for the subjects aged at least 16 years old. Anatomic variants of the sphenoid sinuses and adjacent structures have been investigated. Results: 225 CT scans of skull were analyzed. The sellar type was the most common type of pneumatization of sphenoid sinuses (74.7%). Pneumatization of anterior clinoid processes of greater and lesser wings of the sphenoid and of pterygoid processes was observed in 7.1%; 4.6%; 3.3% and 7.3%; respectively. Protrusion of carotid canals and optic canals, maxillary and vidian nerves were observed in 48.3%; 13.1%; 18% and 9.5%; respectively. Conclusion: Risky anatomic variants of the sphenoid sinuses and adjacent structures are also described by CT-scan among Beninese. Before any surgery and to avoid bad outcome, a precise approach of these risky anatomic variants must be carried out by using CT-scan.

Sphenoid Sinuses Pneumatization and Association with the Protrusion of Surrounding Neurovascular Structures amongst Beninese

“…We studied the pneumatization of anterior clinoid processes, of pterygoid processes, of lesser and great wings; the protrusion of carotid canals and of optic canals, the protrusion of maxillary and vidian nerves. The anatomic images were already described in a previous work [9].…”

“…Protrusion was defined as the presence of at least one third of the canal circumference into the sinus cavity. Protrusion of the vidian nerves was defined as the presence of air density around the nerves [9]. The p-value < 0.05 was expressed as significant.…”

“…The description of these anatomic variants in different populations gives useful information [6] [7] [8]. A previous work has studied the anatomic variants of sphenoidal sinuses and adjacent structures amongst Beninese [9]. However, few articles studied the relationship between pneumatization of adjacent structures of sphenoid sinuses and protrusion of neurovascular structures in black Africans [6].…”

Computed tomography-based assessment of sphenoid sinus and sella turcica pneumatization analysis: a retrospective study

“…This lack of clarity indicates the need for further research in this area to gain a better understanding of the relationship between the two structures ( Dafalla et al, 2017 ; Degaga et al, 2020 ). Such information can be critical in improving the diagnosis and treatment of conditions involving the sphenoid sinus and sella, and ultimately enhance the clinical outcomes of patients ( Yèkpè et al, 2018 ). Table 4 summarizes recent studies conducted in different populations.…”