Anatomical variations of neurovascular structures adjacent sphenoid sinus by using CT scan

The aim of this research was to study of the relationship between anatomical variations of neurovascular structures adjacent sphenoid sinus with sex and position of appearance by using CT scan. In this retrospective study paranasal sinuses CT scan has been taken from 399 patients (210 male, 189 female) that referred to Imam Khomeini and Apadana Hospitals, Ahwaz, Iran. Furthermore, protrusion and dehiscence of Internal Carotid Artery (ICA), Maxillary Nerve (MN), Vidian Nerve (VN) and Optic Nerve (ON) into the sphenoid sinuses cavity have been investigated by using CT scan results. In 210 male patients the protrusion of interested variables were noticed as: ICA in 102 (48.5%) cases, ON in 80 (38%) cases, MN in 74 (35.5%) cases, and VN in 60 (28.5%) cases, respectively. Also in 189 female patients group the protrusion of ICA, ON, MN, VN were noticed in 65 (34.3%), 66 (34.9%), 62 (32.8%) and 43 (22.7%) cases, respectively. The statistical analysis show significant difference (p = 0.001) of protrusion of ICA between male and female groups. In 210 male patients the dehiscence of ICA, ON, MN, VN were noticed in 82 (39%), 60 (28.5%), 60 (28.5%) and 66 (31.4%) cases, respectively. Also in 189 female patients the dehiscence of interested variables were noticed as: ICA in 85 (44.9%), ON in 87 (46%), MN in 69 (36.5%), VN in 71 (37.5%) cases, respectively. The statistical analysis show significant difference (p = 0.03) of dehiscence of on variable in male and female groups. In order to increase the risk of intra-operative complications detailed preoperative investigation of neurovascular structures in sphenoid sinuses by use of CT scan images should be done properly.