Analysis of sphenoid sinus in the operative plane of endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery using computed tomography

Recently, the endoscopic transsphenoidal approach for sphenoid sinus or intracranial lesion has gained more popularity and the study of the surgical anatomy and relationships of the sphenoid sinus has gained increased significance. The aim of this study was to clarify the anatomical features of the sphenoid sinus including surrounding structures as seen in the operative view of endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery. The various distances in the sphenoid sinus as well as the relationships between the sphenoid sinus ostium (SO) and important structures such as the optic canal (OC) and carotid artery (CA) according to the presence of Onodi cell (sphenoethmoidal cell; Onodi group vs. non-Onodi group) were assessed using multiplanar and three-dimensional model of CT scans in 100 patients. The SO was more inferior in Onodi group and located superior to the lowest point of the sella. The horizontal distance from the SO to sella was approximately 13 or 14 mm depending on the existence of Onodi cells. Regardless of Onodi cell, the whole course of the OC in the sinus ran superolaterally to inferomedially in the endoscopic view. However, Onodi cell made the angles from the SO to OC larger. In Onodi group, the CA was located from the SO in a superolateral direction, but in non-Onodi group, the CA was located from the SO in the inferolateral direction. This study provides anatomical information about the sphenoid sinus, with important surgical distances between the SO and surrounding structures measured, which is essential to avoid complications during transsphenoidal surgery.     

蝶窦、视神经管多层螺旋CT三维重建后的影象解剖学测量

目的：为经鼻内镜蝶窦手术、视神经管减压术提供影象解剖学基础。方法：利用螺旋CT三维重建技术对40例(80侧)鼻、鼻窦正常的受试者行蝶窦、视神经管有关解剖数据的影象学测量。结果：两侧视神经管各壁长度均值为：内侧壁12.08±0.62?mm，外侧壁10.16±1.73?mm,上壁9.16±1.17?mm,下壁10.24±1.35?mm。两侧视神经管及蝶窦有关径线均值为：视神经管颅口处：左右径5.57±0.95?mm，上下径4.53±0.78?mm；中部：左右径4.40±0.67?mm，上下径4.36±0.67?mm；眶口处：左右径5.09±0.85?mm，上下径5.90±0.98?mm；鼻小柱前缘中点到蝶窦前壁中点的距离：7.08±0.54?cm；蝶窦最大左右径：17.83±4.38?mm，最大上下径：18.40±3.76?mm，最大前后径：23.19±6.73?mm。结论：螺旋CT三维重建技术可以准确有效地测量蝶窦、视神经管的解剖结构，对经鼻内镜手术具有重要指导价值。     

The prevalence of an Onodi cell in adult Thai cadavers

Endoscopic sinus surgery in patients who have an Onodi cell (sphenoethmoid cell) carries a high risk for optic nerve injury. We meticulously dissected 65 embalmed cadaver adult half-heads and attempted to identify an optic canal bulge in each with a nasal endoscope. Our aims were to determine the prevalence of an Onodi cell in adult Thai cadavers, to ascertain the prevalence of an overriding ethmoid cell, and to measure the length of an overriding ethmoid cell's superior and posterior extensions in relation to the anterior sphenoid wall. Moreover, we attempted to determine the minimum amount of bone thickness between an Onodi cell and the optic nerve. We found that an Onodi cell was present in 39 of the 65 specimens (60.0%). We also found that an overriding ethmoid cell was present in 14 specimens, which accounted for 21.5% of the total number of specimens and 36.8% of 38 Onodi cell-positive specimens (the presence or absence of an overriding ethmoid cell was not recorded in one of the 39 Onodi cell-positive specimens). The distance of the overriding ethmoid cell's superior and posterior extensions from the anterior sphenoid wall ranged from 3 to 13 mm (median: 7) and from 4 to 16 mm (median: 9.5), respectively. Measurements of the minimum amount of bone thicknesses between each Onodi cell and optic nerve ranged from 0.03 to 0.54 mm (median: 0.08). Our study demonstrated that the prevalence of an Onodi cell in adult Thai cadavers was as great as the prevalence reported in the only other gross anatomic dissection study performed in Asia and much higher than rates generally reported in Western countries.     

Surgical anatomy of the natural ostium of the sphenoid sinus

OBJECTIVES: This study was undertaken to measure the distance and the angle between the anterior part of nasal cavity and the natural ostium of the sphenoid sinus. The anatomical location of the natural ostium according to the direction of surgeon's operating view toward the anterior wall of the sphenoid sinus was also analyzed. STUDY DESIGN: This study used careful cadaver dissection under a surgical microscope. METHODS: One hundred sagittally sectioned adult cadaveric heads were used. We measured the distances and angles for identifying the natural ostium of the sphenoid sinus using several reference points such as the limen nasi, the sill, and the posteroinferior end of the superior turbinate. In addition, we tried to identify whether the location of the natural ostium is medial or lateral to the posterior end of the superior turbinate. RESULTS: The natural ostium of the sphenoid sinus was located at an angle of 35.9 degrees with a distance of 56.5 mm from limen nasi and at an angle of 34.3 degrees with a distance of 62.7 mm from nasal sill. It was located approximately 1 cm above the posteroinferior end of the superior turbinate and at a medial aspect to the posterior end of the superior turbinate in 83% of specimens. CONCLUSIONS: We speculate that the posteroinferior end of the superior turbinate is the best landmark for identifying the natural ostium of the sphenoid sinus. Furthermore, the natural ostium should ideally be searched from a superior and medial aspect in relation to the posteroinferior end of the superior turbinate.     

Laterally attached superior turbinate is associated with opacification of the sphenoid sinus

Objective

The sphenoid sinus is situated at the most posterior part of the nasal cavity and opens at the sphenoethmoidal recess located between the nasal septum and the superior turbinate. The correlation between anatomical structures surrounding the sphenoid sinus and sphenoid sinusitis is poorly understood. This study investigated possible factors that correlate to opacification of the sphenoid sinus on computed tomography.

Methods

Review of computed tomography images of 200 patients who underwent endoscopic sinus surgery and/or septoplasty. The total lengths of the anterior sphenoid wall and the part medial to the superior turbinate were measured. The correlations were analyzed between the occurrence of sphenoiditis and these values, as well as age, sex, presence or absence of Onodi cell, opacification of the paranasal sinuses other than the sphenoid sinus, and shadow at the olfactory cleft.

Results

The length of the part medial to the superior turbinate was significantly (odds ratio = 1.36, P = 0.001) associated with sphenoiditis, but the total length of the anterior wall of the sphenoid was not. Advanced age and disease of the olfactory cleft, posterior ethmoid cells, and frontal sinus were also correlated with sphenoiditis.

Conclusions

Certain characteristics of the anatomical structures surrounding the sphenoid sinus are associated with sphenoiditis.     

Interpretation of Anatomic Variations of Computed Tomography Scans of the Sinuses: A Surgeon's Perspective

Four hundred computed tomography (CT) scans of patients undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery were studied with particular attention to anatomic variations. Six specific variations were identified that may predispose the surgeon to inadvertent penetration of the orbit or anterior cranial cavity. These anatomic variants are: 1. lamina papyracea lies medial to the maxillary sinus ostium; 2. maxillary sinus hypoplasia; 3. fovea ethmoidalis abnormalities, such as low or sloping fovea and encephaloceles; 4. lamina papyracea dehiscence resulting in herniation of orbital content into the ethmoids; 5. sphenoid sinus wall variations such as septa attached to the carotid covering, and penetration of the sphenoid by the internal carotid artery or optic nerve; 6. sphenoethmoid cells (Onodi cells), the most posterior ethmoid cells pneumatizing lateral and superior to the sphenoid and intimately associated with the optic nerve.     

蝶窦外侧壁的应用解剖

６３侧尸头解剖测量结果表明，蝶窦外侧壁上颈内动脉骨性隆起可分为①鞍前段，其长度、骨质厚度及至中线距离的均值分别为６．８、１．０、６．２ｍｍ；②鞍下段，其长度、骨质厚度及至中线距离的均值分别为６．６、１．０、５．０ｍｍ；③鞍后段，其长度、骨质厚度及至中线距离的均值分别为６．６、１．８及７．１ｍｍ。视神经管隆起的长度，骨质厚度及至中线距离的均值分别为４．８、１．０、５．５ｍｍ。上颌神经隆起的长度，骨质厚度及至中线距离的均值分别为５．３、１．２、８．５ｍｍ。     

Radiologic anatomy of the sphenoid sinus for intranasal surgery.

Endoscopic surgery of the sphenoid sinus can present the operator with a considerable challenge. The relationship of the sphenoid sinuses, in particular on the lateral wall, to the carotid artery, optic nerve, as well as the other anatomic structures, is of utmost importance. Surgical complications can occur because of a lack of orientation during dissection. To avoid the complications or lessen, somehow, the rate of complications, some described the technique consisting of the opening of the sphenoid sinus ostium medially. We studied 69 axial high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) of temporal bones to reveal the relationship of sphenoid sinus to the vital structures and to get some measurements in the sphenoid sinus. The lateral distance from the sphenoid ostium revealed that the lateral distance was about the distance between both ostea. We consider that in selected cases the dissection might be carried out laterally from the sphenoid ostium for safe enlargement of the ostium and approaching the sinus.     

蝶窦口的影像解剖测量及其临床意义

目的测量蝶窦口与周围解剖结构的影像解剖数据,为临床提供相关数据。方法选取30例蝶窦无异常的健康成年志愿者行鼻窦薄层扫描,并行矢状位及冠状位的重建,利用工作站对蝶窦口与周围结构进行测量。结果蝶窦口的最大上下径为(2.28±0.52)mm,左右径为(2.06±0.32)mm,蝶窦口与前鼻孔的距离为(72.34±3.67)mm,蝶窦口与蝶窦顶壁、后壁、下壁及外侧壁的最大距离分别为(10.64±3.99)、(17.68±2.78)、(13.25±3.50)、(8.76±3.79)mm。结论蝶窦口为经蝶手术的重要解剖标志,扩大蝶窦口应自蝶窦口向内下方扩大,向上不易超过(10.64±3.99)mm,向外侧不易超过(8.76±3.79)mm。     

与乙状窦相关的螺旋CT影像三维定量测量

目的 为岩骨后人路手术及手术中准确定位与乙状窦相关结构提供影像解剖依据,减少手术并发症的发生.方法 收集2007年10月至2008年10月在辽宁医学院第一附属医院行螺旋CT颅底三维重建而无颅底疾病的成年人数据资料119例(238侧),其中男80例(160侧),女39例(78侧);年龄19-69岁.在ADW4.2重建工作站上利用多平面重建技术重建出轴位和冠状位图像,通过旋转显示出所要测量的解剖结构.定量测量与乙状窦相关的解剖结构间的距离,分析性别和侧别等因素对结果的影响以及各测量结果之间的关系,并将测量结果与文献中的尸头标本和干性颅骨标本上测量的数据对比,进行统计学分析.结果 解剖结构间螺旋CT影像的定量测量以(x)±s(以下同)表示,乙状窦沟宽(11.14±2.13)mm,乙状窦沟深(6.04±1.67)mill,乙状窦沟底至乳突外表面的距离(9.74±2.95)mm,乙状窦沟前缘至外耳道后壁的距离(12.98±2.71)mm,后半规管最后部至乙状窦沟前缘的距离(9.87±2.60)mm,后半规管最后部至岩骨后壁的距离(3.18±1.30)mm,外半规管长轴后端至岩骨后壁的距离(5.46±1.38)mill,外半规管长轴后端至乙状窦沟前缘的距离(13.17±2.59)mm,外半规管至颈静脉球窝顶垂直距离(6.69±3.08)mm,面神经垂直段至颈静脉窝最短距离(5.32±2.13)mm.CT测量结果与文献中尸头标本和干性颅骨标本上测量的数据比较,无明显差异.乙状窦沟前缘至外耳道后壁的距离与外半规管至颈静脉球窝顶的垂直距离、面神经垂直段至颈静脉球窝最短距离、乙状窦沟底至乳突外表面的距离呈现出正相关趋势(r值分别为0.284、0.145、0.208,P值均<0.05).结论 利用多平面重建,多排螺旋CT定量测量的结果可以代表实际的相关解剖结构间的距离;重建图像能准确显示颞骨的解剖特征和变异,从而为手术入路的选择及术中准确定位有关结构提供依据.乙状窦前置时,乙状窦更易发生外移,面神经垂直段至颈静脉球距离更短;乙状窦前置的程度与颈静脉球的高度呈正相关趋势.     

Surgical anatomy of the optic nerve and the internal carotid artery in the lateral wall of the sphenoid sinus. An anatomic study of the cranial base]

The optic nerve and the internal carotid artery lying in the cavernous sinus contact the bony wall of the sphenoid sinus, and can easily be injured during surgery. The maxillary sinus, the sphenoid sinus and the ethmoid cells were opened on both sides during ten resections of the skull base. After removing the bony part of the lateral wall of the sphenoid sinus the following measurements were performed: the distance between the optic nerve and the frontal dura; the distance between the optic nerve and the internal carotid artery; the length and width of the optic nerve and the internal carotid artery in the area contacting the bony wall of the sphenoid sinus. This study illustrates the regularity of the structures of the posterior nasal wall. Landmarks are offered for finding the orbital aperture of the optic canal. The necessity of orientation by landmarks is emphasized.     

鼻内镜下鼻中隔正中进路行额窦底壁切除的可行性研究

目的:探讨鼻内镜下额窦底壁鼻中隔正中进路的可行性。方法:①对60例经甲醛固定的成人尸头进行CT扫描,并进行三维CT重建。②取30例尸头紧贴一侧鼻中隔沿矢状线锯开,对重要解剖标志进行相关解剖学观测。③结合CT和解剖学数据,在30例尸头上,进行鼻内镜下鼻中隔正中入路额窦模拟手术。记录模拟手术时间、手术步骤、手术过程中手术标记的寻找、鼻内镜度数的视野影响、视野中额窦各壁的可视度、手术器械的影响、鼻中隔以及嗅丝的损伤程度等等。结果:①额窦底后缘均在中鼻甲根部的前端,中鼻甲根部均附着于筛顶与筛板交界处。②中鼻甲垂直部与水平部交接点与鼻中隔相对应的点称为M点,M点到鼻骨的水平距离为(20.07±6.21)mm,M点到第一对嗅丝距离为(24.38±7.68)mm,第一对嗅丝到额窦底后缘距离为(9.57±2.73)mm,中鼻甲根部附着缘到额窦底后缘距离为(5.38±1.23)mm,额窦底壁前后径为(7.62±2.45)mm,额窦底壁左右径为(9.41±3.37)mm,额窦间隔上下径为(16.97±3.23)mm,额窦间隔前后径为(12.34±2.23)mm。③结合CT和解剖学测量,在鼻内镜下完成鼻中隔正中入路的额窦手术,模拟手术平均时间为1h45min。鼻内镜0°镜下的视野可以观察到部分额窦内侧壁、后壁和顶壁,30°镜下完成鼻中隔切除,0°镜下暴露额窦底壁并将其切除,70°镜下3例不能观测到额窦外侧壁,30例均能观测到部分额窦顶壁、内侧壁、前壁以及后壁,鼻中隔损伤范围约为2.23cm×2.59cm,嗅丝未见损伤。结论:鼻内镜下鼻中隔正中径路容易寻找额窦,以此进路进行额窦底壁切除是可行的。     

The sphenoid sinus natural ostium is consistently medial to the superior turbinate

BACKGROUND: This study was performed to determine the location of the natural ostium of the sphenoid sinus relative to the intact superior turbinate. METHODS: Forty-seven cadaveric specimens were examined. Mucosa over the sphenoethmoidal recess, superior turbinate, and posterior ethmoid was left intact. The position of the sphenoid sinus natural ostium relative to the superior turbinate was identified. RESULTS: The sphenoid ostium was identified in all specimens. In all specimens, the sphenoid ostium was found to be medial to the intact superior turbinate, notwithstanding lateral deflection of the posterior few millimeters of the superior turbinate in some cases. CONCLUSION: The superior turbinate is an excellent landmark for the sphenoid sinus natural ostium. Previous observations of the ostium positioned lateral to the superior turbinate may have been caused by stripping of the superior turbinate mucosa before measurements were taken. In the intact specimen, the sphenoid ostium is reliably found medial to the superior turbinate.     

鼻内镜蝶窦开放术的薄层断层解剖学研究

目的 为安全的进行鼻内镜下蝶窦开放术提供薄层断层解剖学资料。方法 通过冰冻铣切技术获得层厚为0．1mm的连续横断面断层解剖图像,对蝶窦及其重要毗邻结构进行观察和测量。结果 46.7%视神经管以及70%颈内动脉在蝶窦外侧壁处形成突起。蝶窦口上下径为（3.41±0.56）mm,左右径为（2.24±0.35）mm,蝶窦口与颈内动脉、视神经管间的距离分别为（19.63±2.26）mm、（8.83±1.42）mm。结论 通过对蝶窦连续横断面薄层断层解剖图像的追踪观察,可以获得蝶窦及其重要毗邻结构的相关数据。     

Computed tomographic and anatomical analysis of the basal lamellas in the ethmoid sinus

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the exact anatomical structure of the lamellas in the ethmoid sinus by computed tomography (CT) and anatomical analysis. STUDY DESIGN: Cadaver dissections and CT scans were used to compare lamellar structures and their radiological images. METHODS: Anatomical microdissection of 100 midsagittal sections from adult cadaver head specimens were examined and compared with those of sagittal CT scans at 1-mm intervals. RESULTS: The posteroinferior end of the uncinate process attaching to the inferior turbinate divided the fontanelle into the anterior and posterior portions in the majority of cases. The basal lamellas of the bulla ethmoidalis were subdivided into three major types. The posteroinferior portion of its basal lamella was connected to the lower horizontal portion of the third basal lamella in all cases. The anterior indentation of the third lamella was identified in nine cases, but there was no indentation in the posterior direction. The basal lamella of the superior turbinate was attached to the skull base superiorly either separately or fused to the third lamella, and its posteroinferior portion was attached to the lowest portion of the anterior wall of the sphenoid sinus. The supreme turbinate existed in 50 cases; however, its basal lamella was identified in only 15 cases. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that the lamellas of the ethmoid sinus have relatively uniform patterns, although there is variability in shape. It is hoped that this study will provide surgeons with a more detailed structure of the basal lamellas for better surgical results and lower complication rates.     

真菌球型真菌性鼻窦炎的CT特征及诊断

目的探讨真菌球型真菌性鼻窦炎的CT特征及其在临床中的诊断意义。方法选择2006年8月～2008年5月行鼻内镜手术治疗并经组织病理学检查证实为真菌球型真菌性鼻窦炎的25例患者,对其临床资料及影像学资料进行总结,并以组织病理学结果作为标准分析评价CT扫描对真菌球型真菌性鼻窦炎的诊断价值。结果24例（96%）均为单侧单窦病变,1例（4%）为双侧单窦病变;上颌窦占92%,蝶窦占8%。真菌球型真菌性鼻窦炎CT表现：病变鼻窦内全部充满软组织密度影,密度不均匀的软组织影53.8%,密度均匀的软组织影46.2%;钙化斑或点68.0%。病变鼻窦骨质增生硬化100%,病变上颌窦窦口或内侧壁骨质受压吸收破坏72.0%。此外还有上颌窦口阻塞并扩大（72.0%）及液平面、气泡等（32.0%）。鼻窦CT扫描术前诊断的总体准确率为84.0%。结论真菌球在鼻窦CT除表现为特征性的密度不均匀软组织影及钙化斑或点外,还可表现为密度均匀的软组织影,并同时可伴有骨质增生硬化、窦口阻塞并扩大及上颌窦口和（或）内侧壁骨质受压吸收破坏等。CT扫描对真菌球型真菌性鼻窦炎的术前筛选及诊断有着十分重要的作用,但最终确诊仍需依据组织病理学检查。     

Danger areas of the posterior nasal base: anatomical, histological and endoscopic findings

In 52 cadaveric half-heads and endoscopic sphenoethmoidectomy was performed. Subsequently an anatomical preparation with registration of specific data like bulging of the optic canal, thickness of the bony wall covering the optic nerve and the internal carotid artery was achieved, followed by histological sections in specially selected cases. Thus the two key areas of major surgical hazard in the posterior rhinobasis could be clearly demonstrated: the immediate topographic relation of the optic canal and the internal carotid artery to the lateral wall of the sphenoid sinus and the cells of the posterior ethmoid, respectively. Onodi cells of varying degrees were found in 42% of all cases. The thickness of bony wall over the maximum bulging of the optic canal averaged 0.28 mm. Bony dehiscences could be demonstrated in 12% of the cases. The technique of data acquisition, the anatomical and histological findings as well as their clinical and surgical relevance are discussed.     

Endonasal endoscopic approach to the petrous apex: an image-guided quantitative anatomical study.

BACKGROUND: The petrous apex is a relatively inaccessible region, deeply situated within the skull base. Removal of lesions from this area, traditionally accomplished via lateral approaches, can cause significant morbidity. We undertook an anatomical study to investigate the surgical anatomy of the petrous apex through an endonasal endoscopic approach, which has been sporadically described in the literature, to investigate its feasibility and to characterise clear and consistent surgical landmarks for access. METHODS: Cadaveric dissections were performed on five heads. Pre-dissection computed tomography scans were used, with the BrainLab navigation system, to verify entry into the petrous apex. Surgical landmarks were characterised in relation to fixed sphenoid sinus structures, and surgical access before and after drilling the sphenoid sinus rostrum was quantitatively compared. RESULTS: The landmark for entry into the petrous apex was the intersection of a vertical line halfway between the medial surface of the internal carotid artery and the midline, with a horizontal line one-third of the way up from the postero-inferior floor of the sphenoid sinus. The dimensions of the postero-superior sphenoid sinus were characterised by the inter-carotid distance, pituitary-to-sphenoid-floor distance and the width of the sphenoid sinus floor, which were 15 +/- 3 mm, 16 +/- 3 mm and 26 +/- 1.6 mm respectively. The surface area of surgical access was 193 +/- 28 mm(2), increasing to 316 +/- 39 mm(2) after drilling of the sphenoid rostrum (P < 0.001; paired t-test). CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic approach to the petrous apex is anatomically feasible, and, aided by image navigation, could extend the scope of endonasal surgery to access highly-selected lesions in the middle cranial fossa.     

Anatomic measurements for the endoscopic modified Lothrop procedure

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to introduce preoperative radiographic frontal recess and sinus anatomic measurements to assist in the selection of patients considered for the modified Lothrop procedure. METHODS: Data were collected from sagittally reconstructed computed tomography (CT) scans of seven cadaver heads. Four anatomic parameters for measurement were defined as follows: (1) thickness of the nasal beak (desirable < 10 mm); (2) midsagittal distance from nasal beak to skull base (adding 1 and 2 provides the anterior-posterior (AP) space at the cephalad margin of the frontal recess; desirable, > or = 15 mm); (3) accessible dimension (in a parasagittal plane through the frontal ostium; the distance between two lines drawn parallel to the plane of the anterior skull base and perpendicular to the line of the insertion of the nasal endoscope during surgery; the posterior line is drawn at the skull base and the anterior line is drawn at the posterior margin of the nasal beak; the distance between the lines indicates the space available for instrumentation; desirable, > 5 mm); (4) AP dimension of each frontal sinus. RESULTS: The average and the range of each parameter measured were as follows: (1) nasal beak thickness = 8.0 mm (5.0-10.4 mm); (2) nasal beak-skull base = 7.9 mm (2.5-14.1 mm); (3) accessible dimension, 6.1 mm (0.9-9.6 mm); (4) AP diameter of the frontal sinus, 9.7 mm (5.2-14.1 mm). Four specimens were considered candidates for modified Lothrop and three were not. CONCLUSION: Preoperative radiographic frontal recess and sinus anatomic measurements may assist in the selection of patients considered for the endoscopic modified Lothrop procedure.     

翼管的高分辨率CT(HRCT)研究

目的：探讨翼管高分辨率ＣＴ（ＨＲＣＴ）正常及病理的表现。方法：回顾性分析１００例正常成年人翼管和７２例病变累及翼管的病例。结果：正常成年人右侧翼管长度１４．００ｍｍ（１７．０１～１１．００ｍｍ）,左侧翼管长度 １４．００ｍｍ（１８． ０５～１１． ０３ｍｍ）,男女两者无明显差异（ Ｐ＞０． ０５）;翼管前口宽度 ２．００ｍｍ（０．８０～４．００ｍｍ）,后口宽度１．４０ｍｍ（０．５０～２．８０ｍｍ）;８５％翼管向前内走向,两侧翼管前部距离２５ｍｍ（１７～３１ｍｍ）,后部距离２７ｍｍ（１９～３５ｍｍ）;翼管与蝶窦下壁前后的距离分别为２．４ｍｍ和３．０ｍｍ,以上三组数值均有显著差异（ Ｐ＜ ０． ０５）,但男女之间无明显差异（ Ｐ＞０． ０５）。正常成人翼管与鼻窦关系：位于有完整分隔的蝶窦下５５％,蝶窦内３１％,不对称分隔或无分隔下８％,上壁缺如与蝶窦交通６％。病变累及翼管病理改变分三种类型：扩大１０例（１３．９％）;狭窄１７例（２３,６％）。消失４５例（９９．５％）。结论：ＨＲＣＴ能很好显示翼管骨性结构,准确认识翼管正常表现及与邻近结构关系,可以发现翼管早期病变并指导临床治疗。