Neurovascular structures in the lateral recess of the sphenoid sinus. A computed tomography evaluation / Estructuras neurovasculares en el receso lateral del seno esfenoidal mediante tomografía computarizada

Introduction and objectives Anatomical variations of the lateral recess of the sphenoid sinus and its relations with the adjacent neurovascular structures should be preoperatively evaluated to plan an adequate surgical approach and avoid iatrogenic injuries. This study aims to analyze the patterns of pneumatization of the lateral recess of the sphenoid sinus and their association with the presence of protrusion and dehiscence of the optic canal, carotid canal, vidian canal, and maxillary nerve. Materials and methods A retrospective evaluation of 320 sphenoid sinuses by computed tomography was performed. Studied variables included type of lateral recess, and protrusion, and dehiscence of the optic and carotid canal, and vidian and maxillary nerve. Results The mean age was 45.67±17.43. A total of 55.6% (n=178) of the evaluated sphenoid sinuses corresponded to male subjects. Protrusion of the carotid canal, maxillary nerve, and vidian canal was associated with a type 3 lateral recess pneumatization, while dehiscence of these structures was most commonly observed in a type 2 lateral recess (p=<0.001). Conclusions Protrusion or dehiscence of neurovascular structures surrounding the sphenoid sinus has been associated with the extent of pneumatization of the lateral recess, increasing the risk of intraoperative injury. Preoperative identification of anatomical variations is mandatory to select the best approach for skull base lesions and avoid iatrogenic injuries (AU)

Introducción y objetivos Las variaciones anatómicas del receso lateral del seno esfenoidal, y su relación con las estructuras neurovasculares adyacentes deben ser evaluados de manera preoperatoria para planear un abordaje quirúrgico adecuado, y evitar lesiones iatrogénicas. El objetivo del presente estudio es analizar los patrones de neumatización del receso lateral del seno esfenoidal y su asociación con la presencia de protrusión y dehiscencia del canal óptico, canal carotídeo, canal vidiano y del nervio maxilar. Material y métodos Se realizó una evaluación retrospectiva de 320 senos esfenoidales por tomografía computarizada. Las variables estudiadas fueron el tipo de receso lateral y la protrusión y dehiscencia del canal óptico, canal carotídeo, canal vidiano y del nervio maxilar. Resultados La edad media de los pacientes fue de 45,67±17,43 años. Un total del 55,6% (n=178) de los senos esfenoidales evaluados correspondieron a pacientes del sexo masculino. La protrusión del canal carotídeo, nervio maxilar y canal vidiano se asoció a la neumatización de receso lateral tipo 3, mientras que la dehiscencia de estas mismas estructuras observó más frecuentemente en patrón de neumatización de receso lateral tipo 2 (p≤0,001). Conclusión La protrusión o dehiscencia de estructuras neurovasculares adyacentes al seno esfenoidal se han asociado con la extensión de la neumatización del receso lateral, aumentando el riesgo de lesiones intraoperatorias. La identificación preoperatoria de variantes anatómicas es crucial para seleccionar el mejor abordaje quirúrgico para lesiones de base de cráneo y evitar lesiones iatrogénicas (AU)

Neurovascular structures in the lateral recess of the sphenoid sinus. A computed tomography evaluation.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Anatomical variations of the lateral recess of the sphenoid sinus and its relations with the adjacent neurovascular structures should be preoperatively evaluated to plan an adequate surgical approach and avoid iatrogenic injuries. This study aims to analyze the patterns of pneumatization of the lateral recess of the sphenoid sinus and their association with the presence of protrusion and dehiscence of the optic canal, carotid canal, vidian canal, and maxillary nerve. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective evaluation of 320 sphenoid sinuses by computed tomography was performed. Studied variables included type of lateral recess, and protrusion, and dehiscence of the optic and carotid canal, and vidian and maxillary nerve. RESULTS: The mean age was 45.67±17.43. A total of 55.6% (n=178) of the evaluated sphenoid sinuses corresponded to male subjects. Protrusion of the carotid canal, maxillary nerve, and vidian canal was associated with a type 3 lateral recess pneumatization, while dehiscence of these structures was most commonly observed in a type 2 lateral recess (p=<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Protrusion or dehiscence of neurovascular structures surrounding the sphenoid sinus has been associated with the extent of pneumatization of the lateral recess, increasing the risk of intraoperative injury. Preoperative identification of anatomical variations is mandatory to select the best approach for skull base lesions and avoid iatrogenic injuries.

"Chronic granulomatous invasive fungal rhinosinusitis associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection: A case report".

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Granulomatous chronic invasive fungal rhinosinusitis (GCIFR) is a rare entity with scarce cases reported mainly in subtropical areas. Its prevalence among individuals with clinical suspicion of fungal rhinosinusitis has been reported in approximately 20% in subtropical populations, unlike North America with a prevalence of 0.5%. It is typically associated with Aspergillus flavus and the presence of noncaseating granulomas or Langerhans giant cells on histopathologic examination. CASE PRESENTATION: We describe a case of a patient with clinical history of recent SARS-CoV-2 infection and development of intense cephalalgia, visual impairment, palpebral ptosis, and limitation of extraocular movements. MRI demonstrated the presence of opacification of paranasal sinuses, and a left intraconal abscess. A surgical endoscopic approach was performed and histopathologic examination revealed frontal GCIFR and maxillary fungus ball. Treatment with IV azoles provided adequate clinical response. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: The spectrum of the fungal rhinosinusitis disease is not clear. However, non-invasive fungal rhinosinusitis is not often found concomitantly with invasive types. GCIFR typically manifests with an indolent and gradual progression at early stages. Advanced stages can exhibit orbital and intracranial involvement leading to visual impairment, frequent relapses, and a poor prognosis. A higher incidence of invasive fungal rhinosinusitis has been reported in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection despite an unremarkable medical history, associated with immune dysregulation. CONCLUSION: GCIFR is a rare condition with few cases reported in America. Because of its uncommonness, its diagnosis is often delayed leading to increased morbidity and mortality.