Implications of anatomical variation of the sphenoid sinus for orthognathic surgery: a case report in cone beam computed tomography

ABSTRACT The Sphenoid Sinus is considered the paranasal sinus with more variation to the degree of pneumatization. Thus, this work aimed report to the first case on the interference of this anatomical variation for orthognathic surgery. A 18- year-old woman, with isolated cleft palate repaired, was submitted to orthognathic surgery to correct the maxillomandibular skeletal discrepancy. The cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) exam performed for preoperative planning showed a great extension for the adjacent structures, with proximity to the posterior wall of the maxillary sinus and pterygomaxillary fissure bilaterally. The postoperative CBCT image evidenced the compromise of the sinus floor due to the factors related to the transoperative period. This case, along with literature review, highlighted the importance of identifying sphenoid sinus variation in CBCT exams prior to orthognathic surgery, in order to avoid serious complications for the patient, such as sinus infections; hemorrhages; mucocele formation or intracranial involvement.