The sphenoidal sinuses: radiographic patterns of normal development and abnormal findings in infants and children

Abstract

Developmental patterns of sphenoidal sinuses were determined from lateral radiographs of 1702 patients from newborn to 15 years of age. Pneumatization of the conchal sinuses was seen as early as 6 months of age; 90% showed sphenoidal sinus pneumatization by 4 years of age; 100% by 10 years of age. Extension of pneumatization into the basisphenoid may be evident after 4 years of age, and 95% showed basisphenoidal pneumatization after age 12. An apparent lack of pneumatization of the sphenoidal sinuses in patients over 10 should stimulate investigation for sphenoidal sinus disease. Although isolated sphenoidal sinus abnormalities were rare, sphenoidal sinus involvement was common (67--75%).