Sphenoid sinus anatomic variations in computed tomography

Objective: the aim of this study is to identify anatomical variations of the sphenoid sinuses in computed tomography images of non-sinusitis patients. obtained data has been compared to some similar studies and in order to make contributions to the literature. material-method: computed tomography images of the sphenoid sinuses of 120 patients (55 males, 65 females) were retrospectively evaluated with multiplanar reformatted tecnique. anatomical variations of the sphenoid sinuses were identify according to their origins. results: we observed protrusion of the internal carotid artery (45,8%) and it the most common anatomic variation. it was followed by onodi cells (34,16%). persantage of the internal carotid artery dehiscence was %2,50. so dehiscence of internal carotid artery were identified the least variations. conclusion: consequently, protrusion of internal carotid artery and onodi cell are common in turkish population. therefore, it should be very careful in patients undergoing especially sphenoid sinus operation.