Assessment of Variation in Sphenoid Sinus Pneumatisation in Indian Population

Back ground: The purpose of the study is to assess the prevalence of variation in extent of sphenoidal sinus pneumatization in south Indian population and compare with existing literature. Material and Methods: Retrospective study which included 250 patients who underwent CT scan of paranasal sinuses. Results:In our study presellar type of sphenoid pneumatization was observed in 2.4 % of cases. Sella type of pneumatization included 97% study population in our study which is much higher than figures from south- western Asia. Higher frequency of clival extension type of pneumatization was seen in our study which increases the suitability of trans-nasal surgical route for accessing surgical pathologies involving the posterior cranial fossa. Lateral sphenoidal extension was recorded in 50.4% of cases in our study which is near to the frequency mentioned by authors in south India. Existence of higher prevalence of sellar type of pneumatization in sphenoid along with dorsal and lateral extensions in south Indian population gives more advantage of targeting lesions in posterior and middle cranial fossa by endoscopic trans-nasal and trans-sphenoidal route. Conclusion: Extension of sphenoidal sinus pneumatization provides expanded operative corridor and also place the sinus in close relation to the targeted structures. Higher frequency of prevalence in our study makes south Indian population more suitable for transsphenoidal endoscopic surgeries.