What is pneumatization of the sphenoid sinus?

Sinus pneumatization is a prolonged developmental process beginning in utero and extending into early adulthood [1]. Early in life, the red marrow within the sphenoid typically undergoes fatty conversion with subsequent aeration of the sinus with extension of respiratory mucosa.

What is arrested pneumatization?

Arrested pneumatization of the skull base is an anatomical variant that most commonly occurs in association with the sphenoid sinus. These individuals are then left with persistent atypical fatty marrow adjacent to the sinus that persists into adulthood.

What are the symptoms of sphenoid sinusitis?

The main symptom of sinusitis is a throbbing pain and pressure around the eyeball, which is made worse by bending forwards. Although the sphenoid sinuses are less frequently affected, infection in this area can cause earache, neck pain, or an ache behind the eyes, at the top of the head, or in the temples.

Is sphenoid sinusitis fatal?

Sphenoid sinus infections can cause severe complications that are potentially fatal and therefore must never be underestimated.

Where is sphenoid?

The sphenoid is an unpaired bone. It sits anteriorly in the cranium, and contributes to the middle cranial fossa, the lateral wall of the skull, and the floor and sides of both orbits. It has articulations with twelve other bones: Unpaired bones – Occipital, vomer, ethmoid and frontal bones.

How do you treat sphenoid sinusitis?

In general, start medical treatment of acute sphenoid sinusitis once the diagnosis is made. Institute antibiotics and decongestants for 24 hours, and if the patient does not improve over this time course, schedule surgical therapy. If the patient has evidence of complications, undertake urgent surgical decompression.

How do you unclog a sphenoid sinus?

3. Sphenoid/ethmoid sinus massage

1. Place your index fingers on the bridge of your nose.
2. Find the area between your nasal bone and the corner of the eyes.
3. Hold a firm pressure in that spot with your fingers for about 15 seconds.
4. Then, using your index fingers, stroke downward along the side of the bridge of your nose.

How serious is sphenoid sinusitis?

Isolated sphenoid sinusitis is a rare disease with potentially devastating complications such as cranial nerve involvement, brain abscess, and meningitis. It occurs at an incidence of about 2.7% of all sinus infections. Although headache is the most common presentation symptom, there is no typical headache pattern.

How long can sphenoid sinusitis last?

Chronic sphenoid rhinosinusitis is a spectrum of inflammatory diseases in isolated sphenoid sinus which may persist over a period of 12 weeks.

What is a clivus lesion?

Neuroenteric cysts of the clivus are uncommon developmental lesions that occur as a result of notochordal dysgenesis during embryonic development. 30. They usually occurs in the posterior fossa, occurring typically midline anterior to the brainstem or in the cerebellopontine angle.

When does pneumatization of the sphenoid start?

T1 fat saturation with post gadolinium acquisition demonstrates low signal. These features suggest fat and cystic components. The normal process of pneumatization of the skull base and paranasal sinuses starts at the age of 4 months and develops through young adulthood.

Are there images of arrested pneumatisation in the ethmoid bone?

No images of arrested pneumatisation were observed in the ethmoid bone. The results of this study question the classical mechanisms of formation of the paranasal sinuses.

Are there any images of arrested pneumatisation?

Twenty-two patients presented 30 images suggestive of arrested pneumatisation of the maxilla (13/30), sphenoid (10/30) and frontal (7/30) bones. No images of arrested pneumatisation were observed in the ethmoid bone. The results of this study question the classical mechanisms of formation of the paranasal sinuses.

How is arrested pneumatization of the skull base diagnosed?

Arrested pneumatization can be diagnosed when a lesion fulfills the following criteria: the lesion must be located at a site of normal pneumatization or of recognized accessory pneumatization 1. Welker KM, Delone DR, Lane JI et-al. Arrested pneumatization of the skull base: imaging characteristics.