Anatomic variations of sphenoid sinus from Cone Beam Computed Tomography images in the Iranian population

Aims: Sphenoid sinus is one of the most inaccessible paranasal sinus, and is closely correlated to many vascular and neural structures. Anatomic variation of the sphenoid sinus can complicate surgery in this area. The aim of the present investigation was to define the sphenoid sinus variations and the relevant structures using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study was performed on the CBCT of 129 patients. Simple random sampling was used to select CBCT to specify the sphenoid sinus anatomical variations. Data was gathered in the form and analyzed using descriptive and analytic tests, including the chi-square test. Finding: The most common sphenoid sinus variations were observed for sagittal sellar (89.1%) and the lowest was Sagittal conchal (1.6%). A significant difference was also found between the frequency of axial-anterior type pneumatization and Sagittal sellar between age groups. But, no significant differences were found between males and females in terms of sphenoid sinus variations. Significant associations were also found between some sphenoid sinus variations (p<0.05). Conclusion: The highest percentage of sinuses was Sagittal sellar. Most of the Sagittal sellar and axial anterior type pneumatization was in the age group of 26-40 years. When making the preoperative assessment, surgeons and radiologists must consider the anatomical variations of the sinonasal region in order to inhibit preoperative complications by CBCT sinus examination.