Abstract
Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the pterygoid canal (PC) by Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT), establishing its configuration and proximity with anatomical structures. Material and Methods: We evaluated 398 CBCT exams, all from a public University radiology clinic archive. Four parameters were evaluated: single or double PC, distance between PC and the inferior part of the sphenoid sinus (SS), ratio of PC and SS and the distance between the PC and the foramen rotundum. Results: It was observed that most of the PC of the sample presented simple morphology, the most frequent type of relationship between the PC and the SS on both sides was the close contact with the wall. Among the cases that there were some distances between the PC and the inferior wall of the SS, the mean of this distance did not exceed 3.20 mm, being the left side (3.03 mm) slightly closer than the right (3.20 mm). Finally, the distances between the PC and the corresponding Foramen Rotundum are presented with mean values of 5.87 mm for the right side and 6.31 mm for the left side. Conclusion: CBCT examination is of paramount importance for PC identification; once in the studied sample, the mean values found evidence the close relation between the PC and the SS.KeywordsCone beam computed tomography; Endonasal approach; Vidian canal.
Highlights
The pterygopalatine fossa is an interosseous space of great anatomofunctional, pathological and surgical importance
The sample consisted of 398 Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) exams (796 CP), 164 males and 234 females
Regarding the types of relationship between the pterygoid canal (PC) and the respective sphenoid sinuses (SE), Table II shows the frequencies found in the sample
Summary
The pterygopalatine fossa is an interosseous space of great anatomofunctional, pathological and surgical importance. This is due to its location, anatomical relationships and vasculonervous content that favor the spread of tumor pathologies. In it are the maxillary artery and the maxillary nerve, in addition to the parasympathetic pterygopalatine ganglion, from which branches are distributed to the nasal and buccal cavities, paranasal sinuses and parts of the orbital and cranial regions, extending to the face [1]. The pterygoid foramen, originating from the homonymous canal (PC), which is called vidian canal, allows the arrival of the nerve and pterygoid to the pterygopalatine fossa. In endonasal surgical access to the pterygopalatine foramen and canal, to the pterygopalatine branch neurectomies, the thin bony lamina of the palatine sphenoid process is completely removed, with complete exposure of the contents of this canal
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