Structural Complexity and Anatomical Variations of the Sphenoid Sinus: An Imaging Study

Abstract

Due to its anatomical relationships with adjacent vascular and neural structures, the sphenoid sinus is of major importance in transsphenoidal surgical approaches. The extensive anatomical variations of the sphenoid sinus make its imaging evaluation highly valuable for selecting the surgical technique, as well as for preventing intra- and postoperative complications. This study aims to evaluate the anatomical complexity of the sphenoid sinus using Computed Tomography (CT), achieving objectives such as: assessing the dimensions of the sphenoid sinus in relation to age-related characteristics, identifying morphological variations and the presence of intrasinus septa on CT slices, and analyzing the sinus extensions (recesses) and their degree of extension.