Sphenoid sinus development in patients with acquired middle ear cholesteatoma.

OBJECTIVE: In this study, we examine the relationship between developmental insufficiency of mastoid air cells and abnormal morphology of the paranasal sinuses in patients with chronic otitis media (COM) and acquired middle ear cholesteatoma (AMEC) using precise image assessment, in order to evaluate whether the anatomical features of paranasal sinuses has any impact on the pathogenesis in COM and AMEC. METHODS: A total of 127 patients, including 45 COM patients and 82 AMEC patients, were enrolled for this study. The existence of nasal septal deviation, the existence of paranasal sinus opacification, the modified Lund-Mackay score, the diameters of the paranasal sinuses, the Vidic classification, mastoid development, and cranial size were assessed by CT examination. A further 76 adult patients who underwent high-resolution CT imaging of their skull bone for other diseases were enrolled as the control. RESULTS: The AMEC group showed a significantly shorter sphenoid length (P < 0.01) and lower Vidic classification score (P < 0.01) compared to the control group in this study. In addition, we observed that patients with AMEC had less pneumatization of the mastoid air cells compared to the control individuals, and that the sphenoid length of the poor MC score group was significantly shorter than that of the good MC score group. CONCLUSION: Our results suggested that the developmental deficiency in sphenoid length caused by long-standing pediatric rhinosinusitis might indicate the potential of chronic middle ear inflammation in childhood and impact the pneumatization of mastoid air cells. Therefore, chronic rhinosinusitis during the childhood and adolescence might play a role in the pathophysiology of AMEC.

The morphology of the sphenoid air sinus from childhood to early adulthood (1 to 25 years) utilizing 3D reconstructed images / La morfología del seno esfenoidal desde la infancia hasta la adultez temprana (1 a 25 años) utilizando imágenes reconstruídas en 3D

SUMMARY: The morphology of the sphenoid air sinuses is variable amongst populations. The variation in terms of the morphology of this air sinus is particularly important in cranial base surgery. This study aimed to illustrate the three dimensional (3D) morphology of the sphenoid air sinus across ages 1 to 25 years in a South African population. The frequency of the sphenoid sinus characteristics viz. its presence, shape and septa was observed in 3D reconstructed sphenoid sinus models. The sample (n=480 patients) consisted of 276 males and 204 females, 1-25 years and of two population groups viz. black African and white. The sphenoid air sinus was present in (442/480) 92.1 % on the right and in (441/480) 91.9 % on the left. The sphenoid air sinus was absent in 7.9 % and 8.1 % on the right and left sides respectively. Of those present, six different shapes were identified in the anterior/coronal view. Overall, the main shape identified in the anterior view, was quadrilateral on the right (n=243; 50.6 %) and left (n=238; 49.6 %). There was no association between the shape anteriorly and sex or population groups. However, three forms in the lateral view viz. sellar, presellar and conchal types were documented. The main shape identified was the sellar type on both sides (45.2 % R; 49 % L). Laterally, there was an association between shape and sex, on the left side only, and, between the population groups (p<0.05). Intersinus septa were observed in 90.2 % and located predominantly central in 55.4 %. The maximum amount of partial intrasinus septa observed was up to 7 septa. An in depth analysis and classification of the three dimensional form of the sphenoid air sinus according to age 1-25 years was documented in this study. This study proposed a classification of the air sinus utilizing its three dimensional form. The classification illustrated how the air sinus developed within the sphenoid bone and grows into its surrounding parts in both a lateral and posterior direction.

RESUMEN: La morfología de los senos esfenoides puede variar entre las poblaciones. La variación en términos de morfología de este seno es particularmente importante en la cirugía de base de cráneo. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo ilustrar la morfología tridimensional (3D) del seno esfenoidal en una población sudafricana entre las edades de 1 a 25 años. La frecuencia de las características de los senos esfenoides, su presencia, forma y septo se observó en los modelos de seno esfenoidal, reconstruido en tres dimensiones. La muestra (n = 480 pacientes) consistió en 276 varones y 204 mujeres, 1-25 años, divididos en dos grupos de población africana negra y blanca. El seno esfenoidal estaba presente en 92,1 % (442/ 480) en el lado derecho, y en 91,9 % (441/480) en el lado izquierdo. El seno esfenoidal estaba ausente en 7,9 % y 8,1 %, en los lados derecho e izquierdo, respectivamente. Se identificaron seis formas diferentes en la vista anterior / coronal. En general, la forma principal identificada en la vista anterior fue cuadrilátero: 50,6 % a la derecha (n = 243), y 49,6 % a la izquierda (n = 238). No hubo asociación entre la forma anterior y el sexo, o en grupos de población. Sin embargo, se observaron en la imagen lateral tres tipos, que fueron documentados: sellar, presellar y conchal. La forma principal identificada fue el tipo sellar en ambos lados (45,2 % derecha, 49 % izquierda). Lateralmente, se presenta una asociación entre la forma y los sexos, sólo en el lado izquierdo, y entre los grupos de población (p <0,05). Se observaron septos interinos en el 90,2 %; de éstos, un 55,4 % se presentaban de forma centralizada. La cantidad máxima de septos parciales interinos fue de hasta 7. En este estudio se documentó un análisis en profundidad y clasificación de la forma tridimensional del seno esfenoidal según la edad, de 1 a 25 años. Este estudio propuso una clasificación del seno esfenoidal utilizando su forma tridimensional. La clasificación presentó el desarrollo del seno esfenoidal dentro del hueso esfenoides y el crecimiento en sus partes circundantes, tanto en dirección lateral como posterior.

Development of the paranasal air sinuses in a South African Population utilising three dimensional (3D) reconstructed models

The anatomy of the paranasal air sinuses (PAS) may vary in form and size across populations, and between the sexes and age (Yun et al., 2011). This study aimed to estimate the volumes of the PAS within a South African population using the latest available radiological techniques. Computerized tomography scans (n=480) were reviewed from the Pietermaritzburg and Durban public and private sector hospitals (KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa). The sample consisted of 276 males, 204 females, with age range 1-25 yrs, representing the two main population groups (black African and white). The age range was divided into eight, three-year cohorts viz. 1-3; 4-6; 7-9; 10-12; 13-15; 16-18; 19-21; 22-25. These scans were processed by axial manual segmentation of the air sinuses using a 3D Slicer Program (http://www.slicer.org) to construct a three dimensional (3D) volume model of each PAS bilaterally, with 3840 3D models developed. Maximum (max.) to minimum (min.) volumes for each PAS was as follows for ages: maxillary [max: 31563.3 mm3(R), 32062.3 mm3(L); min: 49.4 mm3(R), 25.4 mm3(L)], frontal [max: 22908.6 mm3(R), 21289.0 mm3(L); min: 50.6 mm3(R), 30.2 mm3(L)], sphenoid [max: 15844.6 mm3 (R), 15433.7 mm3(L); min: 6.3 mm3(R), 7.3 mm3(L)] and ethmoid [max: 14327.5 mm3(R), 13162.0 mm3(L); min: 18.9 mm3(R), 12.6 mm3(L)]. This demonstrated that the maxillary was the largest and the ethmoid the smallest PAS at full growth. At 1-3 years of age, the maxillary air sinus was the largest and the sphenoid air sinus was the smallest. Growth of the air sinuses correlated positively with age. Mean volumes appear to be larger on the left side at full growth, although not statistically significant. Sexual dimorphism was statistically significant for the right frontal sinus. Regarding population groups, notable volume differences were observed in the maxillary sinus bilaterally and left sphenoid sinuses unilaterally. There appeared to be four distinct periods in which the growth of the PAS changed. From ages 1 to 7 years there was a gradual increase with a peak increase from 7 to 9 years, continually increasing in growth rapidly, reaching a maximum by 16 to 18 years of age followed by a plateau thereafter. This study presented data of the PAS of the South African populations using 3D reconstructed models. It is apparent that a study consisting of a large sample of 3D models of the PAS has not been fully reported. In particular, the volume of the ethmoid air sinus from 1 to 25 years of age was documented, which was not fully described. The study confirmed differences in terms of the paranasal air sinuses’ size across populations, particularly the maxillary and sphenoid air sinuses, and sex differences viz. the right frontal air sinus

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[Research on 3-D reconstruction of sphenoid sinus in children and adolescents in Yunnan region].

OBJECTIVE: To research the correlation between development of sphenoid sinus and age in normal children and adolescents by 3-D CT images. METHOD: Review of CT images of the skulls of 120 children and adolescents aged 0~20 years old. They were divided into five groups. Then reconstructed 3-D shape of the sphenoid sinus, and measureed the maximal anteroposterior diameter, longitudinal diameter, and transverse diameter of the bilateral sphenoid sinus by the 2-D and 3-D approach respectively, then process statistical analysis. RESULT: Pearson analyses revealed a positive correlation between various diameters of sphenoid sinus measured by 2-D and 3-D approach and age (P<0. 05). CONCLUSION: The development of sphenoid sinus has a linear correlation with age, and increases with age and growth in Yunnan region. It helps to know the three-dimensional CT images of the sphenoid sinus in children and adolescents by Simplant software, thereby allow the clinicians to understand the current situation of the development of sphenoid sinus. Meanwhile, it contributes to preoperative evaluation of sinus problems.

[Age-specific stages of pneumatization of the spenoidal sinus in children based on the results of computed and magneto-resonance tomography].

The present study had the objective to evaluate specific features of pneumatization along with the growth rate of the sphenoid bone and the size of the sphenoidal sinus in children of different age. To this effect, computed and magneto-resonance tomograms of paranasal sinuses taken from 100 patients at the age from 2 to 15 years were analysed retrospectively. The data thus obtained included the size (length, height, and width) and anatomic position of the canals for the internal carotid artery and optic nerve with respect to the walls of the sphenoidal sinus as well as age-specific growth dynamics of this sinus. Its formation was followed up from the age of 1 year till 3-5 years. Pneumatization of the sphenoidal sinus was evaluated. It is recommended that the results of the study should be taken into consideration when carrying out endonasal diagnostic procedures and surgical endoscopic interventions during the childhood period.

Volumetric study in the development of paranasal sinuses by CT imaging in Asian: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The volume of the air cavities in the paranasal sinuses is not only the simplest, but also the most important index for paranasal sinus evaluation. However, few volumetric studies have been performed in all age groups. The purpose of the current study was to outline the normal development of paranasal sinuses in all age groups, and to determine normal adult volumetric values by means of computed tomographic (CT) scan of paranasal sinus using volumetric procedures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective volumetric CT study was conducted with 260 patients (520 sides) <25 years of age by means of three-dimensional reconstruction. RESULTS: The frontal sinuses began to pneumatize at 2 years of age, exhibited a faster growth pattern between 6 and 19 years of age, and the mean volume after full growth was 3.46±0.78 cm(3). The maxillary sinuses were pneumatized at birth in all cases, exhibited a monomodal growth pattern increasing until 15 years of age, and the mean volume after full growth was 14.83±1.36 cm(3). The floor of the sinus was the same level as the floor of the nasal cavity was between 7 and 15 years of age. The ethmoid sinuses exhibited a faster initial tendency to increase until 7 years of age, were completed by 15-16 years of age, and the mean volume after full growth was 4.51±0.92 cm(3). The sphenoid sinuses exhibited a growth spurt between 6 and 10 years of age, were completed by 15 years of age, and the mean volume after full growth was 3.47±0.93 cm(3). CONCLUSION: The results of this study are presented to provide the basis for an objective normal volume of sinus development and for studies involving diseases of the sinuses.

Avaliação da precisão das medidas de volume e área do seio esfenoidal humano em relação ao dimorfismo sexual utilizando a TC-3D / Accuracy assessment of human sphnoidal sinus volume and area measure and its relationship with sexual dimorphism the 3D-CT

Introdução - O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a precisão das medidas de volume e área do seio esfenoidal humano, e a possibilidade de obtenção do dimorfismo sexual. Materiais e Métodos - Foram estudados 25 indivíduos do gênero masculino e 25 do feminino, examinados por meio da tomografia computadorizada, com reconstrução em terceira dimensão, e recursos de computação gráfica. A análise estatística foi feita utilizando métodos de Análise de Variância para medidas repetidas (ANOVA), teste de Levene e teste-t. Resultados - O método utilizado está pouco acima do limite de não aceitação, e, quanto ao volume, é aceitável precisando ainda de melhoria. Notamos que o gênero masculino apresenta uma média aparentemente maior que o sexo feminino, bem como uma variação maior tanto em área quanto em volume. Conclusão - A tomografia computadorizada em espiral foi útil no estudo da região de seios esfenoidais, apresentando precisão adequada apenas para volume. A diferença significativa entre as médias dos valores dos grupos masculino e feminino possibilita afirmar que há possibilidade de utilização do método para avaliação do dimorfismo sexual

Sphenoid sinus development in choanal atresia.

OBJECTIVES: To study the growth and size of the sphenoid sinuses in choanal atresia patients. STUDY DESIGN: Case-control single blinded retrospective study. METHODS: Fifteen non-syndromic patients (ages 0-26 years old) were selected because they had at least one suitable CT scan (nine bilateral and 11 unilateral=total 20 scans). Twenty age-matched CT scans were used as controls. The following linear measurements were obtained: (1) fronto-zygomatic width, (2) zygomatic width, (3) width of the maxillary sinuses, (4) width of the sphenoid sinuses. Statistical analysis was performed with the exact permutation test in the framework of a parametric analysis of a randomized completed block. RESULTS: The width measurements of the choanal atresia CT scans did not show any statistically significant difference when compared to their control CT scans except for the zygomatic width in the bilateral choanal atresia patients. In the latter, the width was smaller (p=0.03). CONCLUSIONS: In unilateral and bilateral choanal atresia patients, there is normal growth of the width of the sphenoid sinuses.

Ontogeny and homology of the paranasal sinuses in Platyrrhini (Mammalia: Primates).

The identity and taxonomic distribution of paranasal sinuses among living platyrrhines has remained a contentious issue (e.g., Cave [1967] Am J Phys Anthropol 26:277-288 vs. Hershkovitz [1977] Chicago: University of Chicago Press) largely because the ontogenetic data required for their detection and identification (e.g., Cave [1967]; Maier [2000] Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press, 99-132.) were not attainable without sacrificing valuable juvenile and subadult specimens. Non-invasive computed tomography (CT) scanning of ontogenetic series of skulls for 10 platyrrhine genera demonstrates the presence of maxillary and ethmoid sinuses, as well as homologs of the human sphenoid and frontal sinuses. Differences in the latter two sinuses between platyrrhines and hominoids highlight the need for early developmental data in establishing sinus homology. In particular, the identification of homologous recesses in the cartilaginous nasal capsule, from which sinuses later develop, emerges as the critical step. This developmental approach also reveals that the anterior and posterior ethmoid sinuses are each sets of serial homologs, a point which reconciles previous difficulties in establishing sinus homologies across mammalian orders (e.g., Paulli [1900] Gegenbaurs Morphol Jahrb 28:147-178, 179-251, 483-564).

The development of sphenoid sinus in Asian children.

OBJECTIVES: (1) To study the developmental changes of sphenoid sinus in Asian children and (2) to test the hypothesis that the sphenoid sinus may be developing slower in Asian, by comparing the growth patterns between Asian and Caucasian children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Review of MR imaging of the skull of 220 Asian children less than 15 years of age in a tertiary hospital. The results were compared to a representative Caucasian study by Szolar et al. [Surg. Radiol. Anat., 16 (1994) 193]. RESULTS: Grade 1 sphenoid was present in all children less than 6 months old. Conversion from marrow to fat of the sphenoid sinus (Grade 2) began at 7 months and was present in patients up to 6 years old. Signs of pneumatization (Grade 3) of the sphenoid sinus were first noted in patients at 10 months old. Almost 100% pneumatization was seen in all the children after 6 years old except for one child with Grade 1 sphenoid at 11 years old. Compared to Caucasian children, there was a significantly higher proportion of Grade 3 cases in Asian children from 0 to 4 years of age (P = 0.05). No difference in the distribution of cases was noted from 4 to 8 years (P = 0.466) and 8-15 years (P = 1.00). CONCLUSION: The developmental changes of the sphenoid sinus in Asian children were determined and found to be similar when compared to Caucasian children. The findings did not support the hypothesis that the Asian sphenoid sinus is developing slower compared to that of the Caucasians.

Proposal of a CT scoring system of the paranasal sinuses in diagnosing cystic fibrosis.

The purpose of this study was to develop a paranasal sinus CT scoring system that could be used as a diagnostic tool to discriminate cystic fibrosis (CF) patients from control patients examined for sinonasal disease. The model should include as few and easily applicable criteria as possible, supported by statistical analyses and clinical judgement. We used data from 116 CF and 136 control patients. The CF patients were grouped according to the number of confirmed CF mutations: genetically verified (CF-2), or based on sweat testing and clinical findings alone (CF-1, CF-0). Nine paranasal sinus CT criteria, including development, pneumatisation variants and inflammatory patterns, were evaluated. The final model included three criteria: (a) frontal and (b) sphenoid sinus development, and (c) absence of three pneumatisation variants. This model discriminated CF-2 from controls with overlap of summed scores in only 8 of 206 patients. When this model was applied in the CF-1 and CF-0 groups, two populations seemed to exist. A larger group with summed scores overlapping that of the CF-2 group and a smaller group with summed scores overlapping that of the control group. We conclude that this CT scoring system may support, as well as exclude, a CF diagnosis in cases of diagnostic uncertainty.

[MR tomography study of the development of the sphenoid sinus]. / MR-tomographische Untersuchung zur Entwicklung der Keilbeinhöhle.

BACKGROUND: Aim of this study was to evaluate the postnatal growth pattern of the sphenoid sinus. PATIENTS: 83 cerebral MRI examinations of infants and children aged 5 months to 14 years were retrospectively reviewed for pneumatization and growth of sphenoid sinus. RESULTS: A continuous increase of pneumatization and growth of the sphenoid sinus was demonstrated between infancy and adolescence including considerable individual variations. Even in children less than two years old remarkable spatial extends of this sinus could be found in some cases. CONCLUSION: Diagnosis of an acute or chronical sinusitis in pediatric patients should alert the clinician to the possibility of a sphenoidal participation.

Pneumatization of the sphenoid sinus in children evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging.

Previous studies concerned with the normal development of the sphenoid sinus have reported that the onset of initial pneumatization varies from 6 months to 4 years of life, and that the pneumatization is completed by 12 to 14 years of age. This study was designed to evaluate the age-related development of the sphenoid sinus pneumatization in children using magnetic resonance (MR) imaging technique. MR images of the sphenoid sinus in 152 children, ages 2 months to 163 months, were retrospectively reviewed. The degree of pneumatization was classified into four grades as 0, 1, 2, and 3 in axial images, and into five grades as 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 in sagittal images. The numbers of grades were age-matched in the studied children. The pneumatized sphenoid sinus was identifiable as early as 2 months of age on axial image, and 4 months on sagittal image. Pneumatized sphenoid sinuses were identified in 100% of the subjects studied at the age of 3 years on axial image, and 6 years on sagittal image. All the children over 9 years old showed pneumatization of grade 2 or more both on axial and sagittal images. The results of this study may indicate that the sphenoid sinus begins and completes pneumatization earlier than previously described.

Age-related expansion and reduction in aeration of the sphenoid sinus: volume assessment by helical CT scanning.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Aeration of the sphenoid sinus expands with the development of the sphenoid bone, but scant detailed volumetric data regarding this process, as it evolves from childhood to old age, exist. Using helical CT scanning, we assessed age-related volumetric changes of the sphenoid sinus. METHODS: We used CT data obtained from 214 patients (age range, 1 to 80 years; 111 male and 103 female subjects) with middle or inner ear disease to assess the extent of sphenoid aeration. We also determined volumes of the sphenoid sinuses on 1.0- or 1.5-mm reformatted images by integrating the sinus air (< or = -900 HU) area. RESULTS: Sphenoid sinus aeration began as a doublet in the anterior boundary of the sphenoid bone by the age of 5 years, with patients more than 6 years old exhibiting varying degrees of aeration. The aeration on both sides continued to expand until the third decade of life. The maximum average volume was 8.2 +/- 0.5 cm3. Thereafter, the volume decreased gradually, with the average volume in the seventh decade of life being 71% of the maximum level. The aeration of the peripheral portions of the sphenoid bone, such as the pterygoid process, anterior clinoid process, and dorsum sella, occurred predominantly after closure of the spheno-occipital suture, and showed a tendency to recede during aging. CONCLUSION: Volumetric assessment of the sphenoid sinus by helical CT scanning revealed age-related expansion and reduction in aeration.

[Upper aerodigestive infections and their effect on sphenoidal sinus development]. / Influencia de las infecciones de las vías aerodigestivas altas sobre el desarrollo del seno esfenoidal.

Paranasal sinuses development and its ultimate mode of happening as well, has been the purpose of numerous hypotheses, that can be synthetized in this two: One which sees the pneumatization as mechanical event resulting from muscular tractions exerted on the sphenoidal sinus walls and another one supposing the pneumatization as an active phenomenon due to the osteoclastic potential of the same respiratory mucous membrane. In this work were employed 200 radiogramms belonging both to patients suffering chronic ENT infections and subjects without antecedents. The conclusion drawn out are that chronic infections do not modify the percentage of pneumatization types, but reduce the anteroposterior maximal diameter.

[Development of the spheno-ethmoid paranasal sinus system using axial computerized tomography imaging]. / Die Entwicklung des spheno-ethmoidalen Nasennebenhöhlensystems in der axialen computertomographischen Darstellung.

BACKGROUND: Exact knowledge of age- and sex-related development of the paranasal sinuses is essential to assess their role in infantile diseases in the midface region. Moreover it helps to minimize the risk in case of therapeutic intervention. METHODS/PATIENTS: On the basis of more than 5600 axial computed tomographic images (CT images) we evaluated the sex-related size (width and length) and evidence of the different sinuses from birth to age 25 focussing on the central part of the paranasal sinuses, the ethmoidal cells, and the sphenoidal sinuses. RESULTS/CONCLUSIONS: The sphenoethmoidal complex is of special interest in early ages since it is already completely developed in newborns (ethmoidal cells: 94% for both sexes) or at least shows a rapid development during the first decade. After age 8, both sinuses are almost regularly represented on CT with identical percentages as an indication of common origin. This is confirmed by only slight differences in size between the two sexes (ethmoidal cells: 5,7 - 10,1%: sphenoid sinuses: 5,4-9,7%) after termination of expansion and by similar periods of expansion (ethmoid cells: until age 10, female, to 14, male and female in length; sphenoidal sinuses: until age 14, female, to 15, male and female) which partly differ from the other sinuses. However, the difference between male and female sinuses is statistically significant primarily at later ages (age 25: length of sphenoidal sinuses: p < 0.0001/width of ethmoidal cells: p = 0.0117/length of ethmoidal cells: p = 0.0072). The definitive size of the ethmoidal cells (male: width 16.4 mm x length 40.7 mm: female: 14.9 mm x 38.5 mm) agrees with the results obtained from anatomic and radiologic studies. In contrast, we found substantial variability in both directions (up to 214%) for the sphenoidal sinuses. Since on almost 60-70% of the CT images the intersphenoidal septum was not represented, we can provide more detailed data about the whole sphenoidal complex (male: width 31.0 mm x length 24.5 mm; female: 29.4 mm x 26.9 mm). In conclusion, our findings agree with the data from other studies using different methods. Moreover we can determine size of the different sinuses at any time between birth and age 25 for both sexes. The ethmoidal cells and the sphenoidal sinuses are highly significant in early infantile paranasal sinus diseases.

Magnetic resonance assessment of age-related development of the sphenoid sinus.

Magnetic resonance images of the sphenoid sinus in 401 patients under 15 years old were reviewed to establish normal age-related standards. T1-weighted sagittal and T2-weighted axial scans were evaluated for bone marrow conversion, development of pneumatization, spatial enlargement and septation of the sphenoid sinus. The sphenoid sinus had a uniformly low signal intensity (red bone marrow) on T1-weighted images in all children less than 4 months old. Signal intensity changes from hypointense to hyperintense (bone marrow conversion) started at the age of 4 months. Onset of pneumatization was observed in 12% of the patients at age 13-15 months. By age 43-48 months, 85% of the patients showed pneumatization of the anterior part of the sphenoid bone. Pneumatization was complete in all patients older than 10 years. Enlargement of the sinus showed a characteristic profile in each dimension. Median septation was observed irregularly with age, with a maximum of 77%. Septum variants were noticed between 4.5% and 20%. Because paediatric sinus disease is a challenging problem in children, these results may be useful as baseline standards of normal age-related development of the sphenoid sinus during childhood.

The sphenoid sinus during childhood: establishment of normal developmental standards by MRI.

To obtain baseline standards of normal age-related development of the sphenoid sinus during childhood magnetic resonance images of the sphenoid sinus in 401 patients less than 15 years old were reviewed. T1-weighted sagittal and T2-weighted axial scans were evaluated for bone marrow conversion, development of pneumatization, spatial enlargement and septation of the sphenoid sinus. The sphenoid sinus had a uniformly low signal intensity (red bone marrow) on T1-weighted images in all children less than 4 months old. Signal intensity changes from hypo- to hyperintense (bone marrow conversion) started at age of 4 months. Onset of pneumatization was observed in 12% of the patients at age 13-15 months. By age 43-48 months, 85% of the patients showed pneumatization of the anterior part of the sphenoid bone. Pneumatization was complete in all patients older than 10 years. Enlargement of the sinus showed a characteristic profile in each dimension. Median septation was observed irregularly with age, with a maximum of 77%. Septum variants were noticed between 4.5% and 20%. The recognition of this phenomenon may serve as a reference for evaluating normal and abnormal development of the sphenoid sinus and may be of great value for diagnostic and therapeutic management of pathologic conditions of the child's sphenoid sinus and its surrounds.

Estudo radiográfico do incremento do seio esfenoidal e avaliaçäo de dimorfismo sexual por meio de telerradiografias em norma lateral obtidas de indivíduos leucodermas, utilizando-se de um programa computadorizado de cálculo de área de polígonos / Radiographic study of sphenoidal sinus growth and sexual dimorfism evaluation, by lateral cephalometric roentgenograms of white individuals, using a poligonal area calculation software

O autor estuda o incremento na área do seio esfenoidal, em 392 (trezentas e noventa e duas) imagens radiográficas de telerradiografias em norma lateral de cem indivíduos, cinqüenta do sexo masculino e cinqüenta do sexo feminino na faixa etária entre nove à vinte anos, divididos em quatro grupos trienais. Por meio de medidas obtidas por um programa computadorizado de cálculo de área de polígonos, sobre os desenhos do perímetro da imagem observável do seio esfenoidal, foi realizado um tratamento estatístico para avaliar-se o grau de crescimento deste acidente anatômico nos indivíduos, nesta faixa etária considerada como sendo de grandes transformaçöes de tamanho e morfologia das estruturas ósseas. O estudo em tela, demonstrou os índices de crescimento do seio esfenoidal nos indivíduos e nos dois sexos, mas concordando com a literatura, näo foi possível estabelecer-se a existência de dimorfismo sexual neste segmento anatômico desta amostra analisada