OBJECT: An anterior clinoidectomy can provide enormous benefits, facilitating the management of paraclinoid and @entity455 , but it also carries the potential risk of @entity5173 . The aim of this study was to assess the variation in the pneumatization of the @entity1347 ( @entity1347 ) in an attempt to reduce the complications associated with an anterior clinoidectomy. METHODS: The authors analyzed the anatomical variations in the pneumatization of the @entity1347 and @entity1781 ( @entity1781 ) in 600 sides of 300 consecutive @entity1 by using multidetector-row computed tomography (CT). Computed tomography scans with a 0.5-mm thickness were obtained, and coronal and sagittal reconstructions of the images were displayed in all cases. Pneumatization of the @entity1347 was found in 9.2% of all sides. The origin of pneumatization was the sphenoid sinus in 81.8% of all the sides, the ethmoid sinus in 10.9%, and both of these sinuses in 7.3%. Pneumatized patterns were divided into three groups according to the route: 74.5% were Type I, in which pneumatization occurred via the @entity1781 ; 14.5% were Type II, pneumatization via the anterior root (AR); and 10.9% were Type III, pneumatization via both the @entity1781 and the AR. The origin of pneumatization and the pneumatization pattern showed statistical dependence (p < 0.001). Pneumatization of the @entity1781 beyond its narrowest point was found in 6.8% of all sides. CONCLUSIONS: An awareness of the different variations in pneumatization can prevent destruction of the mucous membrane and facilitate orientation during reconstruction with cranialization. During an anterior clinoidectomy, preoperative CT assessments are necessary to evaluate pneumatization of the @entity1347 .

Anatomical variations in pneumatization of the XXXX .

@entity1 :: ('9606', 'Species') :: ['patients'] @entity455 :: ('MESH:D014652', 'Disease') :: ['upper basilar artery lesions'] @entity1347 :: ('MESH:C537775', 'Disease') :: ['ACP', 'anterior clinoid process'] @entity5173 :: ('MESH:D065634', 'Disease') :: ['cerebrospinal fluid leaks'] @entity1781 :: ('MESH:D009901', 'Disease') :: ['OS', 'optical strut']
@entity1347 :: (MESH:C537775,Disease) :: ['anterior clinoid process']
