Pterygopalatine fossa: a computed tomography analysis and classification

Authors

Mohammad W. El‑Anwar, Department of Otorhinolaryngology‑Head and Neck Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig
Diaa B. Eldib, Department of Radiodiagnosis, Faculty of Medicine, Benha University, Benha
Mohamed S. Haggag, Department of Radiodiagnosis, Faculty of Medicine, Benha University, Benha
Rania M. Almolla, Department of Radiodiagnosis, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig
Mohammad El‑Sayed Abd Elbary, Department of Otorhinolaryngology‑Head and Neck Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig
Taha M. Abdelaal, Department of Otorhinolaryngology‑Head and Neck Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Benha University, Benha, Egypt
Alaa O. Khazbak, Department of Otorhinolaryngology‑Head and Neck Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig

Article Type

Article

Abstract

Objective
To find out the various dimensions, measurements, and grading of the pterygopalatine fossa (PPF) that were not antecedently published using computed tomography (CT).
Patients and methods
This study was carried on the included 200 paranasal CT scans (400 sides). Axial images were acquired with multiplanar reformates to obtain delicate details in coronal and sagittal planes for all participants.
Results
Within 200 CTs (400 sides), the mean anteroposterior dimension of the PPF was 7.33±1.3 mm (range=3.8–11.6), the mean PPF transverse diameter was 12.5±2.09 mm (range=7.25–22.1), and the mean PPF height was 16.99±2.83 mm (range=10–22.2), without reported significant differences between both sides in all PPF dimensions.
Conclusion
This study improves surgeons’ awareness of PPF variations in the endoscopic field and can be of help to residents in training.
Keywords:
Pterygopalatine fossa, nose, sphenoid sinus, maxillary sinus, CT, Endoscopic sinus surgery.

Recommended Citation

El‑Anwar MW, Eldib DB, Haggag MS, et al. Pterygopalatine fossa: a computed tomography analysis and classification. Pan Arab J. Rhinol. 2021; 11 : 145-150.
Available at: https://pajr.researchcommons.org/journal/vol11/iss2/15 DOI: https://doi.org/10.4103/pajr.pajr_25_21