Anatomical Variations of the Septum of the Sphenoidal Sinus

Abstract

Introduction: The sphenoid sinus (sinus sphenoidalis) is a paranasal cavity that is divided by a partition into two approximately equal halves. The partition of the sphenoid sinus (septum sinuum sphenoidalium) shows certain variations in composition, shape, size, and number.

 Aim: The aim of the research was to evaluate the basic composition, shape, height, and attachment site of the main septum of the sphenoid sinus, as well as to record the possible presence and number of attachments of the auxiliary septum of the sphenoid sinus.

 Materials and Methods: This retrospective study was conducted on 200 subjects (100 men and 100 women), analyzing images of the paranasal cavities on computed tomography (CT) in the coronal, sagittal, and axial planes, with the position in supination. The morphological analysis included the basic composition, shape, height, and attachment point of septa of the sphenoid sinus, using the PACS software system. Statistical analysis was performed using the software program for statistical analysis and tabulation SPSS Statistics 28.0.

 Results: 54/200 subjects had a completely bony septum, and 137/200 subjects had an incomplete bony septum. The septum was not found in 9/200 subjects. 71/200 subjects had the correct type of septum, and 120/200 had an irregular type. The average height for both types in both sexes was 20.083 ± 4.711 mm. 153/200 septums attach to the lower side of the sella turcica, while 38/200 attach near the cavernous sinus. The presence of an accessory sphenoidal septum was determined in 79/200 sphenoidal sinuses. The most common type of pneumatization was the sellar type in both sexes, 142/200 sphenoidal sinuses.

 Conclusion: Knowledge of the anatomical variations of the main septum of the sphenoid sinus, as well as the preoperative evaluation of the sphenoid sinus, is necessary for a more precise approach during transsphenoidal or functional endoscopic surgical procedures.