Development of the sphenoid sinus from newborn to age 18: A computed tomography imaging analysis

Abstract

The sphenoid sinus (SS) is an important anatomical formation in terms of its location and relationship with important neurovascular structures. It is essential to evaluate the pneumatization and dimensions of the SS with Computed Tomography (CT) in the preoperative period of transsphenoidal interventions to be performed on tumors located in this region. The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation of the volume and dimensions of the SS measured with CT with age in the period from birth to 18 years of age. In this retrospective study, a total of 360 brain, paranasal sinus, temporal bone and maxillofacial CT scans of individuals from birth to 18 years of age were evaluated. The cohort was divided into 18 groups with 20 (10 female, 10 male) patients in each age group. The height, width, length and volume values of the SS were measured on CT and their correlations with age and the differences between genders were evaluated statistically. It has been determined that the increases in the size and volume of the SS accelerate especially between 1 and 2 years of age and begins to reach adult dimensions after 12 years of age. Height and length of the sphenoid sinus showed a high correlation coefficient (r=0.717 and r=0.731 respectively) with age, while its width and volume showed a moderate correlation coefficient (r=0.662 and 0.543 respectively). There was no statistically significant difference between the genders in terms of SS height, width, length and volume. SS dimensions and volume showed a logaritmic growth pattern from birth to 18 years. The results of this study may help to better understand the normal development of SS in children and may serve as a reference for more comprehensive CT studies. In addition, it can help surgeons to evaluate the developmental characteristics of SS in surgical interventions for SS in children.