E-ISSN: 1019-5157
ISSN: 2651-5024
Research
Radiographic evaluation of vidian nerve protrusion and its association with volume of sphenoid sinus in a subset of Pakistani population
Asma Aijaz✉ ,
Shazia Fahmi ,
Ahmed Hira ,
Talat Samreen ,
Sahar Mubeen ,
Faiza Misbah
Article in Press
Corresponding Author:
Asma Aijaz (asmafkh83@gmail.com)
Abstract
Aim
This study aimed to analyze the association between sphenoid sinus volume (Sv) and vidian nerve (VN) protrusion using computed tomography (CT) images.
Material and Methods
This prospective cross-sectional study was conducted in the radiology department of a tertiary care hospital from January to May 2021. In total, 300 CT scans of the paranasal sinuses (PNS) from patients aged 2070 years of both sexes were evaluated for Sv, pterygoid process pneumatization, and VN protrusion. The scans were analyzed for three types of VN protrusion: type 1 (entirely within the sphenoid body), type 2 (partly protruding into the sphenoid sinus), and type 3 (entirely protruding into the sphenoid sinus via a stalk). The scans were analyzed for differences in Sv between males and females, as well as among the three protrusion types. A p-value ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant
Results
The most common VN protrusion observed was type 2 (24.7%), followed by type 1 (11.3%) and type3 (7.3%), with significant differences between the sexes (p < 0.001). Statistically significant differences in Sv were observed among the VN protrusion types in both sexes (p < 0.001). Bony wall dehiscence was present in 70% of type 2 and 30% of type 3 protrusions.
Conclusion
This study revealed a strong association between Sv and VN protrusion, highlighting the clinical relevance of this anatomical variation. Preoperative evaluation of the VN and adjacent neurovascular structures will aid surgeons in selecting a suitable endoscopic approach, thereby potentially reducing complications and improving surgical outcomes.
This study aimed to analyze the association between sphenoid sinus volume (Sv) and vidian nerve (VN) protrusion using computed tomography (CT) images.
Material and Methods
This prospective cross-sectional study was conducted in the radiology department of a tertiary care hospital from January to May 2021. In total, 300 CT scans of the paranasal sinuses (PNS) from patients aged 2070 years of both sexes were evaluated for Sv, pterygoid process pneumatization, and VN protrusion. The scans were analyzed for three types of VN protrusion: type 1 (entirely within the sphenoid body), type 2 (partly protruding into the sphenoid sinus), and type 3 (entirely protruding into the sphenoid sinus via a stalk). The scans were analyzed for differences in Sv between males and females, as well as among the three protrusion types. A p-value ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant
Results
The most common VN protrusion observed was type 2 (24.7%), followed by type 1 (11.3%) and type3 (7.3%), with significant differences between the sexes (p < 0.001). Statistically significant differences in Sv were observed among the VN protrusion types in both sexes (p < 0.001). Bony wall dehiscence was present in 70% of type 2 and 30% of type 3 protrusions.
Conclusion
This study revealed a strong association between Sv and VN protrusion, highlighting the clinical relevance of this anatomical variation. Preoperative evaluation of the VN and adjacent neurovascular structures will aid surgeons in selecting a suitable endoscopic approach, thereby potentially reducing complications and improving surgical outcomes.
Keywords
Vidian nerve
Sphenoid sinus
Pterygoid process
Computed tomography.