Pneumatization degree of the anterior clinoid process: a new classification.

The objective of this study is to determine the incidence and degree of anterior clinoid process pneumatization, in addition highlighting to their clinical significance. Multidetector-row CT scans of the skull base were reviewed in 648 subjects between 2007 and 2008. The presence of pneumatized anterior clinoid process and its degree were studied and documented. These data were statistically analyzed. Pneumatization of the ACP was found in 62 of 648 patients (9.6%) including 32 (51.6%) men and 30 (48.4%) women. The age of these patients ranged from 21 to 82 years (mean, 41 +/- 15.7 years). Pneumatization of the ACP occurred only on the left side in 14 cases (22.6%), only on the right side in 11 cases (17.7%), and bilaterally in 37 patients (59.7%). ACP pneumatization Type I, in which less than 50% of the ACP is pneumatized, was found in 47 of 124 sides (38%), Type II, in which more than 50% but not totally pneumatized ACP, was found in 28 of 124 sides (22.6%), and Type III, in which the ACP is totally pneumatized, was found in 22 of 124 sides (17.7%). The incidence of Type I in the general population was 6.6%, Type II was 3.5%, and Type III was 2.5%. Radiologically recognizing the degree of ACP pneumatization is important in decreasing the incidence of surgical complications during anterior clinoidectomy. Proper intraoperative management can be undertaken with special attention to the new classification.