Title: High-resolution CT Study of the Pterygopalatine Fossa and Its Communications
Abstract: Objective To study HRCT features of the pterygopalatine fossa and its communications. Materials and Methods Both axial and coronal HRCT of the pterygopalatine fossa was performed in 100 normal adults, CT findings were analyzed. Additional sagittal reconstructed images of the pterygopalatine fossa were obtained in 30 patients who had maxilla facial injury while with intact pterygopalatine fossa.Results Pterygopalatine fossa and its communication paths, including foramen rotundum, inferior orbital fissure, sphenopalatine foramen, pterygoid canal, pterygopalatine canal, pterygomaxillary fissure, greater palatine foramen and lesser palatine foramen, were well demonstrated on HRCT. On axial plane the pterygopalatine fossa displayed different shapes, while on coronal plane it usually appeared as a quadrangular space, and on sagittal plane a funnel shaped shadow. On axial plane, foramen rotundum demonstrated as thin tubular shadow, while on coronal plane a ring like shadow. The diameter of its anterior and posterior opening was 3.30mm (0.90~5.10mm) and 2.50mm (0.60~4.20mm), respectively. The difference was statistically significant (P0.05). The pterygoid canal was a straight or slightly curved bony tubule on axial plane, while round shaped on coronal plane. The average width of its anterior and posterior opening was 2.30mm (0.80~4.00mm) and 1.0mm (0.50~ 2.80mm), respectively (P0.05). The pterygoid canal beneath totally separated sphenoid sinus was seen in 55% of cases, while within the sphenoid sinus in 31% and beneath partially or not separated sphenoid sinus in 8%. Lack of superior roof of the canal was seen in 6%. The longitudinal diameter of the sphenopalatine foramen was 5.10mm (3.10~7.60mm). The length of pterygopalatine canal, greater palatine canal and lesser palatine canal was 2.80cm (2.10~3.40cm), 1.80cm (1.30~2.40cm) and 1.1.cm (0.70~1.60cm), respectively. The above parameters showed no significant difference between male and female, and between right and left side (P0.05).Conclusion On axial and coronal planes, the pterygopalatine fossa and its communications can be well identified and early lesions can be easily detected. Sagittal imaging of the pterygopalatine fossa may be considered as a useful complement to display pterygopalatine canal, greater palatine foramen and canal, and lesser palatine foramen and canal.
Publication Year: 2002
Publication Date: 2002-01-01
Language: en
Type: article
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