The pterygopalatine recess of the superior nasal meatus.

The pneumatizations surrounding the pterygopalatine fossa (PPF) and closely related to the sphenopalatine foramen are anatomically variable. During the assessment of a cone beam computed tomography of a 64-year-old male patient, we found bilaterally a previously unreported anatomic variant. This was represented by a lateral or pterygopalatine recess (PPR) of the superior nasal meatus which extended in the anterior wall of the PPF and protruded within the maxillary sinus to determine a maxillary bulla. The PPR was antero-superior to the sphenopalatine foramen. Additionally were found a right nasal septal deviation, seemingly compensated by a left middle concha bullosa and a left prominent ethmoidal bulla. The superior turbinates were also pneumatized. Such anatomic variants related to the pterygopalatine angle of the maxillary sinus should be explored prior to surgical or endoscopic procedures which target the maxillary sinus, the pterygopalatine fossa, or the skull base.