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The neglected anatomical and clinical aspects of pterygoid canal: CT scan study

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Abstract

Purpose

To present the variable positions of pterygoid canal (PC) relative to sphenoid sinus floor and cavity, which may be helpful for understanding pathologic and surgical conditions related to sphenoid sinus region.

Materials and methods

Coronal sinonasal CT images of 300 adult patients, in the Department of Radiology at Al-Jala Traumatology Hospital, Benghazi, Libya, were investigated for the positional variation and dehiscence of PC. Of the patients, there was equal gender distribution, ages ranged between 16 and 82 years (mean age 34.6 years). The position of PC was categorized as below the sinus floor, within the floor, and within the sinus cavity (protrusion).

Results

Canals located under the floor were identified in 38.3% (230/600), within-the-floor canals were encountered in 39.6% (238/600); and canals protruding into the sinus cavity (i.e., within sinus cavity) were observed in 22% (132/600). Dehiscence of the bony wall of PC was recognized in 26% (157/600). Coexistence of PR and protruding PC was found in 16.5% (99/600), 7.3% (44/600) on the right side and 9.2% (55) on the left side. Statistically, there was significant association between PR and PC protrusion (p = 0.000).

Conclusion

The anatomical and positional variations of PC are highly encountered. Surgeons addressing vidian neurectomy must be familiar with the positional variations of PC in the preoperative CT images for easier and safer nerve identification and transection.

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Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank Ms. Fatma El-Sughaer, CT technologist, for skillful technical assistance, and Dr. Yousef El-Gomatti for help with statistical analysis.

Conflict of interest

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine, 263 Farmington Avenue, Farmington, CT, 06030, USA

    Galal Omami & Reji Mathew

  2. Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Al-Jala Traumatology Hospital, Benghazi, Libya

    Gebril Hewaidi

Authors
  1. Galal Omami
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  2. Gebril Hewaidi
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  3. Reji Mathew
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Correspondence to Galal Omami.

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Omami, G., Hewaidi, G. & Mathew, R. The neglected anatomical and clinical aspects of pterygoid canal: CT scan study. Surg Radiol Anat 33, 697–702 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00276-011-0808-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00276-011-0808-8

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