Association of accessory sphenoid septa with variations in neighbouring structures.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine the relationship of the accessory sphenoidal septum with surrounding vital structures and their variations.

METHODS: This cross-sectional retrospective study investigated the prevalence of accessory sphenoidal septa and their relationship with variations in surrounding vital structures in coronal and axial paranasal computed tomography images.

RESULTS: Coronal and axial computed tomography images of 347 patients were assessed to evaluate the presence of accessory sphenoidal septa. Accessory sphenoidal septa originated from the internal carotid artery in 47.7 per cent of patients and from the optic nerve in 17.5 per cent. These structures were significantly associated with protrusion of the optic nerve, internal carotid canal or Vidian nerve canal.

CONCLUSION: Accessory sphenoidal septa can originate from the internal carotid artery or the optic nerve. Therefore, the presence of an accessory sphenoidal septum indicates an increased risk of surgical complications including internal carotid artery injury and loss of vision due to optic nerve injury.