Anatomic variability of sphenoid sinus and its relations to age and sex: observational and cross-sectional study of Ukrainian population

Sphenoid sinus pathology (e.g., sinusitis, mucocele, fungus balls, benign and malignant lesions, etc.) is common and frequently overlooked, creating a danger of inevitable complications, considering the sphenoid sinus close relations with surrounding structures. Understanding anatomical variability of this anatomical structure is crucial for proper evaluation of the sphenoid sinus pathology and development of the treatment plan. This observational cross-sectional study conducted in Ukrainian population on 124 CT studies of the head of healthy subjects aged from 17 to 86 years. The following linear parameters of the sphenoid sinuses were measured separately for the right and left sinuses: height, width, and length. These parameters were compared for the right and left sphenoid sinuses in entire sample as well as for male and female groups. Pneumatization types of the sphenoid sinuses were documented and proportions were assessed. Relations with age were assessed with regression analysis and correlation coefficient. Statistically significant differences were identified for the right and left sphenoid sinus length, and height, and were slightly greater in males compared to females, and were found to decrease with age. The most common pneumatization type was postsellar (60.5%), seconded by presellar (16.1%) and sellar (15.3%). The study provides new data about the anatomic variability of parameters of height, length, and width of sphenoid sinus in the Ukrainian population. Statistically significant differences in sphenoid sinus parameters between males and females were identified. The sphenoid sinus parameters can be predicted by age with statistical significance for the right sphenoid sinus. • Parameters of the sphenoid sinus are statistically different in males and females. • Sphenoid sinus parameters can be predicted by age with statistical significance for the right sphenoid sinus. • The postsellar type of pneumatization is the most common in the Ukrainian population. • The conchal type of sphenoid sinus pneumatization represented the smallest proportion.