Morphometric analysis and three-dimensional reconstruction of sphenoid sinus: associations of linear dimensions and volume with pneumatization patterns and neurovascular relationships
In brief
Each millimeter of sphenoid sinus depth linked to 13% to 24% higher nerve exposure odds
In 253 adult CT scans, each millimeter of greater front-to-back sinus dimension was associated with 13% to 24% higher odds of protrusion or bone dehiscence involving the optic, carotid, or Vidian structures. Larger sinus volume was also associated with all three findings after adjustment for age and sex, but the study did not test whether these measurements improve surgical outcomes.
- Journal
- Annals of anatomy = Anatomischer Anzeiger : official organ of the Anatomische Gesellschaft (Q2)
- Published
- 18 October 2026
- Study design
- Cohort / observational study
- Evidence level
- Level 3, Low (CEBM 3b)
- Authors
- Panagiotis Papadopoulos-Manolarakis, George Triantafyllou, Christos Georgalas, Nikolaos-Achilleas Arkoudis, Georgios Velonakis, Panagiotis Papanagiotou, et al.
- PMID
- 42893764
- DOI
- 10.1016/j.aanat.2026.153393
Why clinicians should know about it
- Picked for Anatomy (top studies of the week, 25 October 2026): Morphometry and 3D reconstruction of sphenoid sinus
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The sphenoid sinus (SS) shows morphological variability relevant to endoscopic endonasal skull-base access. This study examined associations of SS volume and linear dimensions with pneumatization patterns, extensions, and neurovascular anatomy. METHODS: This retrospective study included 253 adult sinus computed tomography (CT) examinations. Μaximum anteroposterior (AP max), laterolateral (LL max), and craniocaudal (CC max) dimensions were measured, and SS volume was calculated by semi-automated three-dimensional contouring with manual refinement. Pneumatization patterns and relationships with the internal carotid artery (ICA), optic nerve (ON), and Vidian nerve (VN) were examined using exploratory univariable logistic regression, supplemented by separate age- and sex-adjusted models for neurovascular outcomes. RESULTS: Mean SS volume was 11.12 ± 4.50cm³. Males had greater volume (p = 0.001) and AP max (p = 0.013) than females. Volume correlated strongly with LL max (r = 0.791) and AP max (r = 0.705) (both p < 0.001). Each 1-mm increase in AP max was associated with posterior extension (OR = 1.57, 95% CI 1.40-1.76) and ICA (OR = 1.22), ON (OR = 1.13), and VN (OR = 1.24) protrusion and/or dehiscence. Each 1-mm increase in LL max was associated with lateral extension (OR = 1.39, 95% CI 1.28-1.52) and VN protrusion and/or dehiscence (OR = 1.24, 95% CI 1.18-1.31) (p < 0.001). Greater SS volume was associated with protrusion and/or dehiscence of all three structures, and remained associated with these neurovascular outcomes after adjustment for age and sex. CONCLUSIONS: SS volume and linear dimensions provide complementary quantitative information on the magnitude and direction of pneumatization. AP max and LL max were associated with specific extension patterns and with neurovascular protrusion and/or dehiscence.
Abstract as published, via PubMed.
For healthcare professionals. The summary is generated by AI from the published abstract, and the evidence level is assigned automatically from the study design on the Oxford CEBM hierarchy. Neither is medical advice. Read the full paper before changing practice.