Evaluation of Basal Sphenoid Angle among Adults of African Descent Using Tomographic Imaging

Abstract

Objective: To determine the average basal sphenoid angle (BSA) and its relationship with the dimensions of the sphenoid sinus among adults of African origin using computerized tomography (CT).

Design: A retrospective cross-sectional study

Setting: A tertiary health and academic institution in Sokoto, Nigeria

Participants: Computerized tomography (CT) scans of 323 sphenoid sinuses of adults, aged 18 to 80 years.

Interventions: CT Images of subjects over a 5-year period were studied

Main outcome measures: Measurement of the basal sphenoid angle, sphenoid sinus anteroposterior, craniocaudal, and transverse diameters, determination of sinus volume and extent of pneumatisation.

Results: The basal sphenoid angle from this study ranged from 88° to 157.9°, while the mean BSA was 124.70° ± 11.4. There was a statistically significant relationship between the BSA and the craniocaudal diameter of the sphenoid sinus.

Conclusions: Computerized tomography assessment of the basal sphenoid angle among Africans could be lower than currently known ranges, and could also be different from results obtainable among Caucasians, and from use of x-rays. This emphasises the need for more studies on CT assessment of the skull base for the determination of an applicable African average for the basal sphenoid angle. This has become relevant in the radiological identification of skull base malformations.