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Pneumatization Patterns of the Petrous Apex and Lateral Sphenoid Recess
Alexander Malone1, Margherita Bruni2, Robert Wong3
1Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, Florida, United States.
Journal of Neurological Surgery. Part B, Skull Base
|November 15, 2017
Summary
This study provides normative anatomical data on petrous apex and sphenoid sinus pneumatization. Findings reveal frequent non-pneumatization, which may inform the efficacy of endoscopic surgical approaches.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Neurosurgery
- Radiology
Background:
- The petrous apex is surgically challenging due to limited access.
- Endoscopic approaches are gaining traction with improved surgical technology.
- Normative anatomical data is needed to assess endoscopic surgical viability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish normative data for petrous apex and lateral sphenoid sinus recess anatomy.
- To evaluate the correlation between petrous apex and sphenoid sinus pneumatization.
- To inform the potential efficacy of transnasal endoscopic approaches to the anteroinferior petrous apex.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of maxillofacial CT scans from a level I trauma center.
- Bilateral review and grading of petrous apex and lateral sphenoid sinus pneumatization by an otologist.
- Statistical analysis using SPSS, including Pearson correlation and chi-squared tests.
Main Results:
- Analysis of 962 temporal bones and sphenoid sinuses from 481 patients.
- 88% of lateral recesses were non-pneumatized; 54% of petrous apices were non-pneumatized.
- A significant correlation was observed between petrous apex and lateral sphenoid sinus pneumatization.
Conclusions:
- This is the first study to present normative comparative data on petrous apex and sphenoid sinus pneumatization.
- The findings may support further research into endonasal surgical approaches for petrous apex lesions.
- Understanding pneumatization patterns is crucial for surgical planning.
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