Role of Computed Tomography (CT) in Isolated Acute and Chronic Sphenoiditis

Background: Sinusitis is a common condition affecting the paranasal sinuses, particularly in children. It is primarily caused by viral upper respiratory infections, with allergic rhinitis being a significant predisposing factor. Other underlying causes include nasal airway obstruction, immunodeficiencies, ciliary dysfunction, and cystic fibrosis. The sphenoid’s isolated illness is often overlooked due to its remote location and difficulty of access. Aim: A study of the isolated sphenoid sinus disease with discussion of the clinical symptoms, radiological findings and complications. Methods: Patients were retrospectively identified through a computer-assisted search of all CT scan reports conducted for clinical symptoms associated with the sinonasal region, including headache, nasal obstruction, recurrent sinusitis, chronic sinusitis, acute sinusitis, allergic sinusitis and culture of organisms from department of microbiology at MVJ Medical College and Research Hospital from March 2017 – January 2018, to ascertain the presence of isolated sphenoid sinus opacification, mucosal thickening, and related complications. Fifty-five instances of isolated sphenoid illness were recognized. Results: We detected 55 instances of isolated sphenoid illness, constituting 20.1%. Twenty-seven females and twenty-eight guys. Seven patients in the under 20 age group, twenty-six patients in the 21-40 age group, fifteen patients in the 41-60 age group, and seven patients beyond 60 years old. Nine instances had acute sphenoid sinusitis with an air-fluid level. Chronic sphenoid sinusitis was seen in 27 instances. Nineteen patients had asymptomatic sphenoid opacification. A neuro-ophthalmic complication was seen in one instance. Conclusion: Asymptomatic opacification of the sphenoid sinus is prevalent. Routine imaging of the paranasal sinuses in uncomplicated acute sinusitis is not advised. It is ineffective for distinguishing between viral and bacterial sinusitis and often does not alter therapy in simple acute sinusitis.