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The sphenoidal sinuses: radiographic patterns of normal development and abnormal findings in infants and children
Insights
Sphenoidal sinus development in children shows rapid pneumatization by age 10. Lack of sphenoidal sinus pneumatization after this age warrants investigation for potential disease.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Radiology
- Anatomy
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Sphenoidal sinus development is crucial for understanding pediatric sinonasal health.
- Pneumatization patterns vary significantly during childhood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To define the developmental trajectory of sphenoidal sinus pneumatization in children.
- To establish normative data for sphenoidal sinus development.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of lateral radiographs from 1702 patients aged 0-15 years.
- Assessment of pneumatization extent and age of onset.
Main Results:
- Conchal sinus pneumatization observed by 6 months.
- 90% sphenoidal sinus pneumatization by 4 years, 100% by 10 years.
- Basisphenoidal pneumatization evident after 4 years, reaching 95% by age 12.
Conclusions:
- Normal sphenoidal sinus pneumatization is typically complete by age 10.
- Absence of pneumatization in older children may indicate sphenoidal sinus disease.
- Sphenoidal sinus involvement is common, though isolated abnormalities are rare.
Abstract:
Developmental patterns of sphenoidal sinuses were determined from lateral radiographs of 1702 patients from newborn to 15 years of age. Pneumatization of the conchal sinuses was seen as early as 6 months of age; 90% showed sphenoidal sinus pneumatization by 4 years of age; 100% by 10 years of age. Extension of pneumatization into the basisphenoid may be evident after 4 years of age, and 95% showed basisphenoidal pneumatization after age 12. An apparent lack of pneumatization of the sphenoidal sinuses in patients over 10 should stimulate investigation for sphenoidal sinus disease. Although isolated sphenoidal sinus abnormalities were rare, sphenoidal sinus involvement was common (67--75%).