Keywords:
Anatomy, Paediatric, Ear / Nose / Throat, CT
Authors:
A. Charsoula, C. NALMPANTIDOU, I. Torounidis, D. Rafailidis, C. MAVRIDOU, P. Kirintzis, M. Arvaniti; Thessaloniki/GR
DOI:
10.1594/ecr2011/C-1443
Conclusion
Our results (Fig.1) are consistent with previous studies that also show that aeration of the sphenoid bone begins at the anterior border of the sphenoidal body as a doublet as early as 6 months of age,
continues posteriorly and reaches maturity at the age of 10.
This means that children older than 10 years of age should have a mature sphenoid sinus,
otherwise an occult pathology should be considered,
usually chronic anemia with bone marrow conversion or hypoplasia due to trauma,infection or irradiation.
[9][11][12][13]
The rudimentary conchal pattern was the prevailing pattern until the age of 5 years and children >5years had easily identified juvenile pattern of aeration.
Sinusitis was found even in children with premature sphenoid sinus confirming the fact that pediatric sinusitis,
once thought uncommon,
is independent of the size of the sinus.
Sphenoid sinus development is linked with the development of the sphenoid bone and skull base.
The results of our study can be useful to the radiologist as a reference for normal age-related development of the sphenoid sinus,
so as to accurately manage the challenging problems of pediatric sinus disease and skull base pathology.