Linear and volumetric parameters of the sphenoid sinus according to cone beam computed tomography

Sphenoid sinus is one of four air-filled spaces inside cranium bones, which drain into the nasal cavity. It has high individual anatomical variability, including sexual dimorphism, ethnic and geographic variations in morphometric parameters.

The purpose of the study was to establish the dependence of the morphometric parameters of the sphenoid sinus on its extent in the dorsal and lateral directions.

Сone beam computed tomography (CBCT) data of 245 patients (98 males and 147 females, mean age 37 ± 13 years) who received dental and ENT care at a private medical center in Minsk in 2023–2024 were assessed.

The postsellar type of the sphenoid sinus was more frequent in males and females (71.4 and 66.6 %, respectively). The volume of the sinus in the present study varied between 3.4–37.5 cm³. It was larger in males. In patients under 30 years of age, the volume and width of the sphenoid sinus were significantly larger compared to patients 31–84 years old. All linear dimensions of the sinus were significantly larger in the postsellar type. The width and volume of the sinus were significantly larger as lateral expansion into the greater wings of the sphenoid occurred. In 56.7 % of patients, the sphenoid sinus was divided by the septum into right and left parts, most often asymmetric. In 11.0 % of cases, one air cavity was detected. In 32.3 %  of patients, in addition to the main septum, accessory septa were present, which in about half the cases were inserted at the wall  of carotid prominence.

Due to the high variability of the morphometric parameters of the sphenoid sinus, when considering the possibility  of an endoscopic transsphenoidal approach to the skull base, a thorough preoperative CBCT examination of the sinuses  is recommended.

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