Does Sphenoid Pneumatization Affect the Angle of the Eustachian Tube?

Abstract

Aim: In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between sphenoid sinus pneuma¬tization and the angle of the Eustachian tube. Methods: The study included a total of 158 patients. The Eustachian tube angle (ETA) was measured and sphenoid pneumatization was classified in the coronal plane. Results: According to the coronal classification of sphenoid pneumatization, 52 (16%) hemi-sphenoids were type 1, 177 (56%) hemi-sphenoids were type 2, and 87 (27.5%) hemi-sphe¬noids were type 3. According to the sagittal classification, 24 (7.6%) hemi-sphenoids were pre-sellar, 101 (32%) hemi-sphenoids were sellar, and 191 (60.4%) hemi-sphenoids were post-sellar. The mean ETA in coronal classification was 24.71±3.35, 25.03±3.24, and 25.90±3.10 de¬grees for the type 1, type 2, and type 3 classes, respectively. The angle showed a gradual increase from type 1 to type 3, and it was found that ETA was statistically significantly wider in cases with lateral recess pneumatization (type 3, post-rotundum) than in type 2 and type 1 pneumatizations (p=0.039, p=0.035, respectively). Conclusion: ETA is increased in patients with lateral recess pneumatization.