Evaluation of the pterygoid process pneumatization and sclerosis with Vidian canal morphology using computed tomography: a comparative study in nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients and healthy controls.

BACKGROUND

To evaluate the morphological characteristics of the pterygoid process - including pneumatization and sclerosis - alongside vidian canal (VC) type and length in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) compared to healthy controls using computed tomography (CT).

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

This retrospective study included 200 subjects, comprising 38 patients with histopathologically confirmed NPC and 162 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. All CT scans were acquired using a standardized protocol with thin-slice axial images and multiplanar reconstructions. Evaluated features included pterygoid process pneumatization and sclerosis, VC type (classified as Type 1-3), and VC length bilaterally.

RESULTS

Pterygoid process pneumatization showed no statistically significant difference between the NPC and control groups (right: 21.1% vs 24.7%, p = 0.794; left: 21.1% vs 18.5%, p = 0.898). In contrast, right-sided pterygoid plate sclerosis was significantly more frequent in NPC patients (68.4%) than in controls (4.9%) (p < 0.005). Significant differences in VC types were found between groups. Type 3 canals were more common in NPC patients (right: 39.5%, left: 39.5%) than in controls (right: 21.0%, left: 23.5%), while Type 2 was reduced in the NPC group (right and left: 15.8%) vs controls (right: 33.3%, left: 34.6%); significant for both sides (right: p = 0.024; left: p = 0.038). VC length was also significantly greater in the NPC group (right: 14.18 mm; left: 13.08 mm) compared to controls (right: 12.25 mm; left: 12.35 mm). The VC length positively correlated with age (right: r = 0.267; left: r = 0.339).

CONCLUSIONS

Sclerosis of the right pterygoid plate and an increased prevalence of Type 3 VCs were significantly associated with NPC. Anatomical variations in VC type and length may have diagnostic implications in radiological interpretation and radiotherapy planning in NPC patients.