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Sphenoid sinus pneumatization · Vidian canal · Anterior clinoid process · Pterygoid process · Multidetector computed tomography.

DOI: 10.5937/medi0-64914
Igor Djoric
University Clinical Center of Serbia, Center for Radiology Imaging and Clinic of Neurosurgery, Belgrade, Serbia; University of Belgrade, Faculty of Medicine, Belgrade, Serbia
Djurdjina Kablar
University of Belgrade, Faculty of Medicine, Belgrade, Serbia; University Clinical Centre of Serbia, Department for Pathology, Pathohistology, and Medical Cytology, Belgrade, Serbia
Ivan Milic
University Clinical Center of Serbia, Clinic of Neurosurgery, Belgrade, Serbia; University of Belgrade, Faculty of Medicine, Belgrade, Serbia
Marina Milic
University Clinical Center of Serbia, Clinic of Neurosurgery, Belgrade, Serbia; University of Belgrade, Faculty of Medicine, Belgrade, Serbia
Lazar Stankovic
University Clinical Center of Serbia, Clinic of Neurosurgery, Belgrade, Serbia; University of Belgrade, Faculty of Medicine, Belgrade, Serbia
Zoran Radojicic
University of Belgrade, Faculty of Organizational Sciences, Belgrade, Serbia
Ana Starcevic
University of Belgrade, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Anatomy, Belgrade, Serbia
PDF (Serbian (Latin))

Published

2026-04-15

Section

Original Article

How to Cite

1.
Djoric I, Kablar D, Milic I, Milic M, Stankovic L, Radojicic Z, et al. Sphenoid sinus pneumatization · Vidian canal · Anterior clinoid process · Pterygoid process · Multidetector computed tomography. . medi [Internet]. 2026 Apr. 15 [cited 2026 Sep. 20];. Available from: https://test.aseestant.ceon.rs/index.php/medi/article/view/64914
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Abstract

Background: Multidetector computed tomography of the sphenoid sinus is the most accurate method for visualizing sinus pneumatization and all anatomical variations.

Objective: To characterize the patterns of pneumatization of the sphenoid sinus and assess the association with variations in the bony structures of the sinus in relation to gender and age groups.

Methods: Retrospective CT analysis of 127 patients (43 men and 84 women). Pneumatization patterns, skull base extensions, and Vidian canal types were classified.

Results: Bilateral increased sphenoid sinus pneumatization shows a very strong age association (p = 0.001), with clustering in middle-aged (40–52) and elderly (≥ 66) groups. Right-sided preserved sphenoid sinus pneumatization shows a statistically significant association with gender (χ² = 3.90, p = 0.048), with a higher proportion of males than females. Bilateral pneumatization (BPP) showed a statistically significant association with age (p = 0.019); individuals with BPP were significantly younger. Sellar type predominated (67.7%), with frequent posterior and lateral extensions. The dorsal sphenoid sinus configuration is the only variant showing a statistically significant association with age (χ² = 8.17, p = 0.043). Complete sellar type shows a strong, consistent positive association with both anterior clinoid and pterygoid process pneumatization on all sides (p ≤ 0.015, often < 0.001). Type III Vidian canal occurred in ~ 40%. Vidian canal Type I is strongly associated with pterygoid process pneumatization, especially bilaterally (p < 0.001 in all cases).

Conclusions: The cohort exhibits a highly pneumatized, surgically relevant sphenoid sinus phenotype, primarily developmental rather than symptom-driven.

Keywords

sphenoid sinus pneumatization, Vidian canal, anterior clinoid process, pterygoid process, multidetector computed tomography
DOI: 10.5937/medi0-64914