Researchers did this study to define and determine the prevalence of retrosphenoid cells identified on CT imaging and intraoperative endoscopy. They also intended to review the majority of other related anatomical variants of the sphenoid sinus.
The present study is a retrospective study of 300 random non-contrast sinus CT scans. The sample size consisted of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis presenting to a tertiary rhinology center. Researchers calculated the prevalence of various anatomic variations of the sphenoid sinus and recorded all identifiable anatomic variations and any presence of retrosphenoid cells and their pneumatization patterns.
The study included a total of 300 sinus CT scans. Protrusion of both the internal carotid artery and optic nerve into the sinus was more prevalent than the dehiscence of either one. A retrosphenoid cell was identified in 2% of CT scans. Other anatomic variants were less prevalent.
The study concluded that a thorough review of preoperative imaging is critical in identifying rare and complex sphenoid cell variations in planning surgical approaches and potential treatment strategies for the unusually pneumatized sphenoid air cells. Various manifestations of sinus disease can be localized to this area, and suspicion of a retrosphenoid cell should be raised in patients presenting with recalcitrant headaches.
Reference: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/1945892419881837
