Does Sphenoid Pneumatization Affect the Angle of the Eustachian Tube?

Abstract

In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between sphenoid sinus pneumatization and the angle of the Eustachian tube. Methods: The study included a total of 158 patients. The Eustachian tube angle (ETA) was measured and sphenoid pneumatization was classified in the coronal plane. Results: According to the coronal classification of sphenoid pneumatization, 52 (16%) hemisphenoids were type 1, 177 (56%) hemi-sphenoids were type 2, and 87 (27.5%) hemi-sphenoids were type 3. According to the sagittal classification, 24 (7.6%) hemi-sphenoids were pre-sellar, 101 (32%) hemi-sphenoids were sellar, and 191 (60.4%) hemi-sphenoids were postsellar. The mean ETA in coronal classification was 24.71±3.35, 25.03±3.24, and 25.90±3.10 degrees for the type 1, type 2, and type 3 classes, respectively. The angle showed a gradual increase from type 1 to type 3, and it was found that ETA was statistically significantly wider in cases with lateral recess pneumatization (type 3, post-rotundum) than in type 2 and type 1 pneumatizations (p=0.039, p=0.035, respectively). Conclusion: ETA is increased in patients with lateral recess pneumatization.