Cone-Beam Computed Tomographic Evaluation of the Posterior Wall of the Nasopharynx in Turkish Population

Abstract

Aim: This study aims to evaluate the radio-morphometry of important anatomical structures such as Rosenmüller fossa (RF), pharyngeal bursa (PB), and Eustachian tube (ET) in the posterior wall of the nasopharynx by cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). Material and Methods: The posterior wall of the nasopharynx was analyzed retrospectively in CBCT images of 110 patients. The depth and width of the Rosenmüller fossa (RF), pharyngeal bursa (PB), and Eustachian tube (ET), their distances to the posterior nasal spina (PNS) and mid-sagittal plane, and the angles between them were measured. RF was categorized into three types. The relationship between the measured values and gender, age groups, and RF types was investigated. The obtained variables were analyzed statistically. Results: The mean right RF depth was 8.2 and left RF was 8.6 mm. RF widths differed significantly by gender (right p=0.013, left p=0.004). There was a statistically significant positive correlation between RF-PNS distances and age (left r=0.314, p=0.001; right r=0.240, p=0.011). The prevalence of RF types was 31.8%, 19.5%, and 48.6% for type A, type B, and type C, respectively. In individuals with RF Type C, both RF and ET were located more lateral to the midline. The prevalence of PB was 45.5%. Conclusion: Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) most commonly occurs in the RF. A good knowledge of the anatomy and variations of the nasopharyngeal region is important in the early diagnosis of NPC. Oral and maxillofacial radiologists must know the anatomy of the nasopharynx to understand and interpret incidental findings in CBCT.