Retrospective CT study reports ACP pneumatization prevalence and morphological patterns in Thai adults.

This retrospective computed tomography (CT)-based cohort study examined 400 instances of anterior clinoid process (ACP) pneumatization derived from 200 patients within a Thai population aged 10 years or older. The primary objective was to determine the prevalence and morphological patterns of ACP pneumatization. Secondary objectives included collecting ACP morphometric data and identifying associated bone variations. The analysis utilized existing CT imaging data to characterize these anatomical variations without prospective follow-up or intervention.

The study found that ACP pneumatization was present in 30.8% of the evaluated cases. Bilateral involvement was observed in 5% of cases. Among the identified subtypes, isolated optic strut pneumatization (subtype 1) was the most frequent, accounting for 16% of cases. Subtype 2a, characterized by limited ACP involvement via the optic strut, represented 6% of cases. Planum-based and combined subtypes were noted as uncommon findings within this cohort.

No adverse events, serious adverse events, discontinuations, or specific tolerability data were reported in the study, as the investigation was purely descriptive and observational. Consequently, no causal links between ACP pneumatization and clinical symptoms or surgical outcomes can be inferred from these data. The study design limits the ability to generalize findings beyond the specific Thai population sampled. Furthermore, the absence of a comparator group precludes assessment of the clinical significance of these anatomical variants compared to non-pneumatized ACPs.

These results offer descriptive anatomical data relevant to neurosurgical and otolaryngological planning but lack the evidence strength to guide clinical management decisions. The findings should be interpreted as baseline prevalence data rather than indicators of disease or risk. Further research is required to correlate these morphological patterns with clinical outcomes in broader populations.