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.