Sphenoid Sinus Size and Shape in Chiari Malformation Type 2

Abstract

Objective: The aim of the study was to compare the morphologic features of the sphenoid sinus in patients with Chiari malformation type 2 (CMT2) with a control group. Methods: This retrospective study contained computed tomography images of 42 CMT2s and 45 controls. Of 42 CMT2 patients aged 12.55 ± 5.81 years, 23 were females and 19 were males. Of 45 controls aged 12.16 ± 4.89 years, 22 were females and 23 were males. The volume, surface area, width, thickness, and height of the sphenoid sinus were measured, and its shape (postsellar, sellar, presellar, and conchal) was noted. Results: Patients with CMT2 had smaller the sphenoid sinus’s volume (P = 0.035), surface area (P = 0.032), width (P = 0.022), thickness (P = 0.039), and height (P = 0.021) than controls. Four configurations regarding shape types of the sphenoid sinus were detected in CMT2 (postsellar: 31%, sellar: 23.80%, presellar: 26.20%, and conchal: 19%) and controls (postsellar: 35.60%, sellar: 31.10%, presellar: 28.90%, and conchal: 4.40%). CMT2 did not correlate with shape of the sphenoid sinus (P = 0.200). Conclusions: CMT2 patients have a small sinus compared with controls. This work may be useful to understand anatomic properties of the sphenoid bone such patients. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.