Arrested Pneumatization of the Skull Base and its Relationship with Sphenoid Sinus Hypoplasia; a Cross-Sectional Retrospective Study

Abstract

Arrested pneumatization is a developmental condition that can be an incidental finding on CT and MR imaging and may be confused with aggressive skull base diseases. This study aimed to detect the prevalence of arrested pneumatization of the skull base and to find out the relationship with sphenoid sinus aeration. Paranasal sinus CTs performed between January 2020 to June 2020 were evaluated in a retrospective manner. 841 CT exams were included in the study. The included CT examinations were evaluated independently by two observers for the presence of arrested pneumatization in the skull base. The sides, localization, and dimensions of the arrested pneumatization in the skull base were noted. Localization was grouped as basisphenoid, right and left pterygoid processes. The lesions with sclerotic margins, with the presence of fat, soft tissue densities and curvilinear internal calcifications were accepted as arrested pneumatization. The correlation between the presence of arrested pneumatization with sphenoid sinus aeration and the location and size of the lesion was evaluated. Sixty-two (7.4%) arrested pneumatization were detected. Sphenoid sinus hypoplasia was seen in 8 (0.95%) patients and was significantly more frequent in patients with arrested pneumatization (p=0.0001). There wasn’t any significant difference for age and gender between individuals with arrested pneumatization and other individuals. Arrested pneumatization of the sphenoid sinus was seen at a rate of 7.4 percent. This is an anatomical variation that can be considered as a pseudo-lesion and may be associated with sphenoid sinus hypoplasia.