[Related structures of the lateral sphenoid wall anatomy studies in CT and MRI]

Abstract

Objective: To study the anatomy of the Lateral Sphenoid Wall in CT and MRI in normal adults so as to provide a theoretical basis for imagine science.

Method: High resolution CT in axial and coronal planes was conducted on 25 normal adults. MRI in axial and coronal planes, using SE T1 WI and FSE T2 WI was conducted on 20 volunteers.

Result: 1. The pneumatisation of sphenoid sinus can be divided into two types: Pneumatisation of the sphenoid body and the one of sphenoid process. The former one can be subdivided into three categories: concha (2%), pre sellar (20%), sellar (78%). The latter can be subdivided into four categories: lesser wing (38%), greater wing (40%), pterygoid process (34%) and dorsum sellar (6%). 2. The thinnest part (< 1 mm) of the LSW is located at the inner wall of the optic nerve canal (96%), at the bony wall in the plane of sphenoethmoid recess (86%), the bony wall in the plane of the internal carotid artery (66%). 3. Over pneumatised sphenoid sinus could make the foramen rotumdum (64%) and pterygoid canal (44%) protrudes into the sphenoid cavity.

Conclusion: Attention should be paid to the various mode of pneumatization around the optic nerve canal.