Int Arch Otorhinolaryngol 2014; 18 - a2344
DOI: 10.1055/s-0034-1388695

Anatomic Study with Computed Tomography of the Lateral Wall of the Sphenoid Sinus of Patients Assisted in Specialized Service of Otorhinolaryngology in Blumenau / SC

Jan Alessandro Socher 1, João Carlos Domiciano da Silva 1, Luis Felipe Canova Ogliari 1, Marina Schneider 1, Paloma Farina de Lima 1, Paulo Henrique Bogdanowicz da Silva 1
  • 1Universidade Regional de Blumenau (FURB)

Introduction: For performing endoscopic surgery, knowledge of the anatomy of the lateral wall of the sphenoid sinus through imaging is necessary mainly to avoid iatrogenesis.

Objectives: The study aimed to perform anatomical studies with computed tomographic (CT) scans on the lateral wall of the sphenoid sinus and identify anatomical variations related to that structure and maintain relationship with the internal carotid artery, the optic nerve, and as well as conducting a survey in the literature.

Methods: A retrospective transversal study of 104 CT scans of the paranasal sinuses of patients aged 5 to 75 years was conducted. The data collected were on the following factors sex, age, characteristics of the internal carotid artery in relation to the sphenoid sinus, and presentation of optic nerve according to the classification of Delano.

Results: In this study, 6.73% of patients presented the internal carotid artery in the form of dehiscence in relation to the sphenoid sinus. Regarding the right optic nerve, 72.12% of patients were classified as Delano 1, 19.23% as type 2, 5.77% as type 3, and 2.88% as type 4. Regarding the left optic nerve, 69.23% patients had a rating Delano 1, 22.12% as type 2, 5.77% as type 3, and 2.88% as type 4.

Conclusion: The presence of cases of carotid artery dehiscence and the presentation of the optic nerve paths of types 2, 3 and 4 in relation to the sphenoid sinus do reiterate the need for accurate studies for understanding this important region in order to avoid possible complications in surgeries.