Anatomical configurations of the optic canal in the sphenoid sinus in a Hispanic population: computed tomography based study

• Published in: Journal of laryngology and otology 2023-03, Vol.137 (3), p.279-284
• Main Authors: Treviño-Gonzalez, J L, Santos-Santillana, K M, Maldonado-Chapa, F, Morales-Del Angel, J A, Becerra-Jimenez, J A
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Canals (anatomy); Computed tomography; Dehiscence; Endoscopy; Hispanic or Latino; Hispanic people; Humans; Main Article; Males; Minority & ethnic groups; Optic nerve; Paranasal Sinuses - diagnostic imaging; Population studies; Sinuses; Sphenoid Bone - diagnostic imaging; Sphenoid Sinus - diagnostic imaging; Surgery; Tomography; Tomography, X-Ray Computed - methods
• ISSN: 0022-2151; 1748-5460
• DOI: 10.1017/S0022215122000305

The prevalence of the optic canal anatomical variants across the sphenoid sinus varies widely among different ethnic groups. This study aimed to analyse the anatomical variants of the optic canal and their relationship to sphenoid sinus pneumatisation in a Hispanic population. A review of 320 sphenoid sinuses by high-resolution computed tomography was performed. DeLano's classification of the optic canal, presence of dehiscence, septa insertion, sphenoid sinus pneumatisation and presence of Onodi cells were established. Dehiscence of the optic canal was observed in 4.7 per cent ( 15) of the analysed sinuses. Type 4 and 3 optic canals were significantly more frequent among postsellar sphenoid sinuses than other patterns of sphenoid sinus pneumatisation ( 0.002 and 0.018). A type 4 optic canal has a higher tendency to present inserted septum than other optic canal types ( 0.014). This study described the optic canal variants in a Hispanic population, which complements existing literature addressing other ethnicities.