Development of sphenoid sinus in pediatric patients seen in MRI.

Background: Aim of this study was to evaluate the postnatal growth pattern of the sphenoid sinus. Patients: 83 cerebral MRI examinations of infants an d children aged 5 months to 14 years were retrospectively reviewed for pneu matization and growth of sphenoid sinus. Results: A continuous increase of pneumatization and growth of the sphenoid sinus was demonstrated between in fancy and adolescence including considerable individual variations. Even in children less than two years old remarkable spatial extends of this sinus could be found in some cases. Conclusion: Diagnosis of an acute or chronica l sinusitis in pediatric patients should alert the clinician to the possibi lity of a sphenoidal participation.