An Unusual Variant of the Sphenopalatine Foramen and Artery with an Absent Crista Ethmoidalis: An Intra-Operative Challenge

Sphenopalatine artery ligation (SPL) is a surgical remedy for severe epistaxis. This procedure requires extensive knowledge of the various anatomical variants. Its topographical anatomy varies and reliable landmark such as the crista ethmoidalis may be absent. These variations are crucial and they dictate the outcome of the surgery. We present a peculiar case of a postero-superiorly located variant of the sphenopalatine foramen and artery with an absent crista ethmoidalis. The sphenopalatine foramen was found superiorly at the superior meatus beyond the horizontal part of the lamella of the superior concha. Only one trunk was seen exiting the sphenopalatine foramen. The sphenopalatine foramen was measured from the anterior part of the nose. It was 69mm from the nasal sill and 54mm limen nasi.

Three-dimensional CT reconstruction anatomy of vidian canal, foramen rotundum and the sphenopalatine foramen / 解剖学报

Objective To investigate the three-dimensional spatial relationships of the sphenopalatine foramen ( SPF) , vidian canal ( VC ) , and foramen rotundum ( FR ) with regard to an endoscopic endonasal approach to the pterygopalatine fossa(PPF)using three-dimensional reconstruction of high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) scans. Methods The HRCT scans of 17 patients and a cadaver specimen were retrospectively evaluated .The morphology of the SPF, VC, and FR as well as the spatial relationship between the SPF and VC were measured on the image of three -dimensional CT reconstruction.Results The mean diameters of the SPF, VC, and FR were(6.26 ±1.59)mm,(2.35 ± 0.77)mm and(2.75 ±0.77)mm, respectively.The mean distance between the VC and posteroinferior margin of SPF was (4.03 ±1.15) mm.The mean vertical and horizontal distances on the image of three-dimensional CT reconstruction were between the VC and FR were(4.94 ±1.35)mm and(9.22 ±3.07)mm, respectively.The whole or partial margin of the VC was above the inferior margin of the SPF in 92%(33/36) of the VC and lateral to the posterior margin of the SPF in 97%(35/36) of the VC.Conclusion The endoscopic endonasal approach to the PPF is performed with greater safety through comprehension of the spatial relationships between the SPF , VC, and FR.

The Morphology and Anatomical Location of the Sphenopalatine Foramen / 체질인류학회지

This study aims to investigate the anatomical information of the sphenopalatine foramen with special reference to the bleeding control of the sphenopalatine artery and to the blockage of the pterygopalatine ganglion during functional endoscopic sinus surgery. Forty-three midsagittal sectioned Korean heads were used in the study. The mucosa on the lateral nasal wall was removed for showing the sphenopalatine foramen. The shapes of the sphenopalatine foramen were classified by 4 types. Angle from the akanthion and distances from akanthion, conchae, sphenoidal sinus and greater palatine foramen were measured. The sphenopalatine foramen was frequently found as oval shape and bilateral symmetry of 28.6%. The vertical length was 5.5 mm, the horizontal length was 5.3 mm. The most anterior point of the sphenopalatine foramen was located on 54.4 mm few and angles were between 15.9degrees and 22.1degrees from akanthion. The distances were 36.2 mm from anterior end of middle nasal concha, 6.2 mm from posterior end of middle nasal concha, 27.2 mm from greater palatine foramen. The uppermost point of the sphenopalatine foramen was located on 22.3 mm from the most superoanterior end of the sphenoidal sinus, 18.6 mm from the lowermost end of the sphenoidal sinus. This study could be useful to provide the confidence about the location of the sphenopalatine foramen during functional endoscopic sinus surgery.

Trans-Inferior Turbinate Approach for Endoscopic Sphenopalatine Artery Ligation

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: With the recent development of endoscopic nasal surgery, endoscopic sphenopalatine artery ligation allows for secure control of posterior epistaxis with considerably low recurrence and complications. Surgical approaches to the sphenopalatine foramen to ligate the sphenopalatine artery are transantral, intranasal, and transseptal. However, the procedures have considerable limitations. Therefore, we have revised the transturbinal approach, which was described by Togawa for intranasal vidian neurectomy in 1977, to ligate the sphenopalatine artery in two patients of intractable posterior epistaxis, and describe our technique of the trans-inferior turbinate approach for endoscopic sphenopalatine artery ligation. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: A longitudinal incision is made along the lower border of the inferior turbinate, and the mucoperiosteal flaps are developed to the lateral nasal wall. The posterior two-thirds of the inferior turbinate bone is removed from the lateral nasal wall. The posterior lateral nasal artery on the upper flap is positively identified, and followed to the posterior end of the middle turbinate bone. The sphenopalatine foramen can be localized after removing the posterior end of the middle turbinate bone, and the sphenopalatine artery is ligated with hemoclips or divided with bipolar electrocautery. RESULTS: With the trans-inferior turbinate approach, it was possible to identify and ligate the sphenopalatine artery and its branches in the sphenopalatine foramen with no immediate or delayed complications. CONCLUSION: The trans-inferior turbinate approach provides unobscured surgical access to the posterior nasal cavity, and enough working space for endoscopic manipulation. The posterior lateral nasal artery is a reliable surgical landmark leading to the sphenopalatine foramen.