Work

Anatomical Blueprint of the Sphenoid Sinus in Saudis: A Radiological Observational Perspective

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: To evaluate and characterize anatomical variations in the sphenoid sinus in the Saudi population using computed tomography (CT). METHODS: This retrospective cross-sectional study included patients aged ≥18 years who underwent multi-detector CT (MDCT) of the paranasal sinuses at King Fahd University Hospital between July 2018 and 2023 for different indications. Radiological variables analyzed included sphenoid sinus pneumatization type, presence and number of inter-sphenoid septa, and deviation or attachment to adjacent structures. RESULTS: < 0.001). The most common sinus shape was quadrilateral (33%), whereas the predominant pneumatization pattern was post-sellar (57.1%), followed by sellar (32.1%), pre-sellar (9.2%), and conchal (1.6%). Adjacent-structure pneumatization was frequent, most notably in the greater wing of the sphenoid (47.4%) and pterygoid (39%) processes. Optic-canal protrusion and dehiscence were observed in 13.9% and 4.1%, respectively, whereas carotid canal protrusion occurred in 22.2% and dehiscence in 3.2%. Intra-sinus septation was identified in 97.7% of assessable cases, most commonly as a single septum (59.6%). Several variants showed significant sex-related associations, including sinus volume, anterior clinoid process/posterior clinoid process pneumatization, and dehiscence patterns. CONCLUSIONS: CT imaging revealed considerable diversity in the sphenoid-sinus anatomy among the Saudi population. Awareness of these variations, particularly their relationship with critical neurovascular structures, is crucial for radiologists and surgeons to ensure accurate diagnosis and safe surgical planning.

Source: Tomography

DOI: 10.3390/tomography12020026

Authors: Asma F. Al-Muhanna, Musaed A. Al-Fayez, Abdulrahman H. Al-Abdulwahhab, Abdulaziz M. Al-Sharydah, Mohammed Al-Watban, Abdulrazaq Al-Ojan

Institutions: Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, King Saud University

Language: English

Topic: Nasal Surgery and Airway Studies

Subfield: Surgery

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,896