Research Progress on Individual Identification by Frontal Sinus Imaging / 法医学杂志

Frontal sinus imaging is an important research object in forensic individual identification due to the highly specific irregular air cavity shape of frontal sinus, the stability of its shape after maturity, and the wide clinical application of radiology technology. The use of frontal sinus imaging for individual identification has significance in the court. When the application of traditional individual identification methods such as fingerprint identification and DNA analysis are limited or cannot be effectively carried out, or when the corresponding dental records are lacking and in other special cases, individual identification with frontal sinus imaging comparison is an effective alternative. Various types of image data can be used for individual identification with frontal sinus, mainly based on artificial visual comparing. With limitations such as, high professional requirements, low efficiency and small application range, the methods cannot be used in mass disasters. In recent years, some computer image recognition techniques have been used in identification of frontal sinus imagings and can significantly improve the efficiency of recognition. Difficulties such as low manual recognition efficiency may be overcomed. This study summarizes the reports on forensic individual identification using frontal sinus imaging, to review the research progress on individual identification with frontal sinus imaging, to provide a reference for further research on frontal sinus imaging, and to provide ideas for exploration and establishment of a faster, more efficient and more accurate individual identification system.

Sinus computed tomography findings in patients with COVID-19 / Achados de imagem em tomografias computadorizadas de seios paranasais em pacientes com COVID-19

ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze computed tomography scans of paranasal sinuses of a series of patients with coronavirus disease 2019, and correlate the findings with the disease. Methods: Computed tomography scans of 95 adult patients who underwent a polymerase chain reaction test for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 were analyzed. Clinical data were obtained from patients' records and telephone calls. Paranasal sinus opacification was graded and compared according to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 positivity. Results: Of the patients 28 (29.5%) tested positive for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (median age 52 [range 26-95] years) and 67 were negative (median age 50 [range 18-95] years). Mucosal thickening was present in 97.4% of maxillary sinuses, 80% of anterior ethmoid air cells, 75.3% of posterior ethmoid air cells, 74.7% of frontal sinuses, and 66.3% of sphenoid sinuses. Minimal or mild mucosal thickening (score 1)and normally aerated sinuses (score 0) corresponded to 71.4% and 21.3% of all paranasal sinuses, respectively. The mean score of each paranasal sinus among severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 positive and negative patients was 0.85±0.27 and 0.87±0.38, respectively (p=0.74). Median paranasal sinus opacification score among severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 positive patients was 9 (interquartile range 8-10) compared to 9 (interquartile range 5-10) in negative patients (p=0.89). There was no difference in mean score adjusted for age and sex. Nasal congestion was more frequent in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 positive than negative patients (p=0.05). Conclusion: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection was associated with patient recall of nasal congestion, but showed no correlation with opacification of paranasal sinuses.

RESUMO Objetivo: Analisar imagens de tomografia computadorizada de seios paranasais de pacientes com a doença por coronavírus 2019, e correlacionar os achados com a doença. Métodos: Foram analisadas imagens de tomografia computadorizada de 95 pacientes submetidos a teste de reação em cadeia da polimerase para coronavírus 2 da síndrome respiratória aguda grave. Os dados clínicos foram obtidos por meio dos prontuários dos pacientes e de ligações telefônicas. A opacificação dos seios paranasais foi graduada e comparada entre pacientes positivos e negativos para coronavírus 2 da síndrome respiratória aguda grave. Resultados: Vinte e oito (29,5%) dos pacientes tiveram resultado positivo para coronavírus 2 da síndrome respiratória aguda grave (idade mediana de 52 [26-95] anos) e 67, resultado negativo (idade mediana de 50 [18-95] anos). O espessamento mucoso estava presente em 97,4% dos seios maxilares, 80% das células etmoidais anteriores, 75,3% das células etmoidais posteriores, 74,7% dos seios frontais e em 66,3% dos seios esfenoidais. Mínimo ou discreto espessamento mucoso (pontuação 1) e seios com aeração normal (pontuação 0) corresponderam a 71,4% e 21,3% de todos os seios paranasais, respectivamente. A nota média de cada seio paranasal entre pacientes positivos e negativos para coronavírus 2 da síndrome respiratória aguda grave foi de 0,85±0,27 e 0,87±0,38, respectivamente (p=0,74). A nota mediana de opacificação dos seios paranasais entre pacientes positivos para coronavírus 2 da síndrome respiratória aguda grave foi de 9 (intervalo interquartil de 8 a 10), comparada a 9 (intervalo interquartil de 5 a 10) em pacientes negativos (p=0,89). Não houve diferença na nota média ajustada para idade e sexo. A congestão nasal foi mais frequente em pacientes positivos para coronavírus 2 da síndrome respiratória aguda grave que naqueles com resultados negativos (p=0,05). Conclusão: A infecção pelo coronavírus 2 da síndrome respiratória aguda grave apresentou associação com congestão nasal, mas não mostrou correlação com espessamento mucoso dos seios paranasais.

The incidence of sinus crista galli in children and adults: a computerized tomography study / La incidencia del sinus crista galli en niños y adultos: un estudio de tomografía computarizada

The pneumatization area in the crista galli region of the ethmoid bone can be called Sinus Crista Galli (SCG). The authors would like to recommend the terminology as sinus crista galli for pneumatized crista galli. Our aims in this study are to determine SCG on three dimensional Computerized Tomography (CT) images, to investigate its frequency, dimension and to emphasize their clinical significance in children and adults. A total of 360 adult images (160 female, 200 male) and 68(43 female, 25 male) pediatric images were examined. The presence SCG was recorded with axial and coronal paranasal sinus CT images. The height, width, anterposterior diameter of the sinus was measured. All the data we obtained from this study were analyzed using the SPSS 18.0 program. Descriptive statistics are shown as mean ± Sdt. Sinus crista galli was found in 17 examined images of the 360 (4.72 %) in adult group. Chronic pansinusitis was detected in 7 of 17 cases. Frontal sinusitis findings were detected in 7 cases. Sinusitis was not observed in 3 cases. The incidence of SCG was found in 4 pediatric images out of 68 (5.88 %). In 1 out of 4 cases, infection was detected in SCG. We did not observe SCG in the pediatric group with 0-7 years of age. Sinus crista galli was found at low rates in adult and pediatric age group. However; relationship was found between these variation and chronic rhinosinusitis. Additionally, detection of SCG in paranasal sinus CT can be provided better results and reduce complications in anterior cranial fossa surgery.

El área de neumatización en la crista galli del etmoides se puede denominar sinus crista galli (SCG). Los autores recomiendan incluir en la terminología anatómica el término sinus crista galli para la crista galli neumatizada. Los objetivos del estudio fueron determinar la SCG en imágenes tridimensionales de tomografía computarizada (TC), investigar su frecuencia, dimensión y enfatizar su importancia clínica en niños y adultos. Se examinaron un total de 360 imágenes de adultos (160 mujeres, 200 hombres) y 68 (43 mujeres, 25 hombres) en imágenes pediátricas. La presencia de SCG se registró con imágenes de tomografía axial y axial del seno paranasal. Se midió la altura, anchura y diámetro anteroposterior del seno del proceso crista galli. Todos los datos obtenidos se analizaron mediante el programa SPSS 18.0. Las estadísticas descriptivas se muestran como media ± DS. El seno crista galli se encontró en 17/360 (4,72 %) de las imágenes examinadas en el grupo de adultos. Se detectó pansinusitis crónica en 7 de 17 casos. Se detectaron hallazgos de sinusitis frontal en 7 casos. Sinusitis no se observó en 3 casos. La incidencia de SCG se encontró en 4 imágenes pediátricas de 68 (5,88 %). En 1 de cada 4 casos, se detectó infección en SCG. No observamos SCG en el grupo pediátrico con 0-7 años de edad. El seno crista galli se encontró en bajas tasas en adultos y en niños. Sin embargo, se encontró relación entre estas variaciones y la rinosinusitis crónica. Además, la detección de SCG en la tomografía computarizada del seno paranasal puede proporcionar mejores resultados y reducir las complicaciones en la cirugía de la fosa craneal anterior.

Abordaje endoscópico del seno frontal mediante Draf III: experiencia de la Red de Salud UC Christus / The Draf III procedure as an endoscopic frontal sinus approach: Red de Salud UC Christus' experience

RESUMEN Introducción: El Draf III es una técnica quirúrgica que permite el abordaje endoscópico de los senos frontales. Fue descrita como un procedimiento de rescate para la rinosinusitis crónica (RSCr) frontal en que falla la cirugía estándar. Actualmente, su uso se ha extendido a otras aplicaciones. Objetivo: (1) Revisar las indicaciones del abordaje Draf III, (2) Revisar si el abordaje permitió el manejo adecuado de la patología y (3) Evaluar la permeabilidad de los senos frontales. Material y método: Estudio retrospectivo descriptivo. Se evaluaron los registros de pacientes sometidos a un abordaje Draf III entre los años 2013-2016 (n =11). Se revisaron las indicaciones quirúrgicas, utilidad del Draf III para manejar la patología, permeabilidad de los senos frontales y complicaciones quirúrgicas. Resultados: Indicaciones quirúrgicas incluyeron la RSCr con pólipos, osteoma frontoetmoidal, mucocele frontal, papiloma invertido y estesioneuroblastoma. En todos los casos, el abordaje permitió un adecuado manejo de la patología. Todos los pacientes presentaron permeabilidad adecuada del Draf III al último control. Un paciente debió ser reoperado a los 15,5 meses por recidiva de papiloma invertido. Ningún paciente requirió cirugía de revisión por estenosis crítica del Draf III. No hubo complicaciones quirúrgicas. Discusión: El Draf III fue útil para manejar la RSCr, patologías benignas del seno frontal, y como parte de un abordaje extendido a la fosa craneal anterior. Conclusión: En nuestra serie, el Draf III resultó ser una excelente opción quirúrgica para el tratamiento de diversas patologías del seno frontal.

ABSTRACT Introduction: The Draf III procedure is an effective approach for the management of frontal sinus disorders. It was originally described as a rescue procedure for the treatment of refractory frontal sinusitis. Currently, it can be used to treat a variety of other disorders. Aim: (1) To review the indications for the Draf III procedure, (2) To evaluate if it enabled appropriate management of the disease, and (3) To evaluate frontal sinus patency. Material and Method: Retrospective descriptive study. Clinical records of patients who underwent a Draf III procedure between the years 2013-2016 (n=11) were reviewed. Surgical indications, the appropriateness of the approach to manage the frontal sinus disease, frontal sinus patency, and complications were analyzed. Results: Surgical indications included chronic rhinosinusitis with polyps, frontoethmoidal osteoma, frontal mucocele, inverted papilloma and esthesioneuroblastoma. In all cases, the approach allowed adequate management of the pathology. All patients had adequate patency of the Draf III at their last follow-up. One patient required a revision Draf III at 15.5 months follow-up because of an inverted papilloma recurrence. No patient required revision surgery for critical stenosis of the Draf III. No surgical complications were observed. Discussion: The Draf III procedure was useful for the management of chronic rhinosinusitis, for benign frontal sinus pathologies, and as part of an extended approach to the anterior cranial fossa. Conclusion: In our series, the Draf III procedure was an excellent surgical option for the management of a variety of frontal sinus pathologies.

Giant fronto-ethmoidal osteoma - selection of an optimal surgical procedure / Osteoma fronto-etmoidal gigante - escolha do procedimento cirúrgico ideal

Abstract Introduction Osteomas of the paranasal sinuses are benign bone tumours that produce clinical signs depending on their size and location. In most reported cases large tumours are excised by an external approach or in conjunction with an endoscopic technique. Endoscopic treatment of such tumours is a huge challenge for the operator. Objective Determine the optimal surgical approach by analysing giant osteomas of the frontal and ethmoidal sinuses in the literature. Methods Group of 37 osteomas obtained from the literature review. A group of osteomas removed only by endoscopy was compared with a group in which an external approach (lateral rhynotomy or craniotomy) or combined external and endoscopic approach was applied. Results The authors, based on the statistical analysis of the literature data, have found that the average size of osteomas excised endoscopically and those removed by external approaches does not differ statistically, when the osteomas are located in the ethmoidal cells (p = 0.2691) and the frontal sinuses (p = 0.5891). Conclusion The choice of surgical method appears to be independent of the osteoma size and the decision is likely to be taken based on the experience of the surgeon, available equipment and knowledge of different surgical techniques.

Resumo Introdução Osteomas dos seios paranasais são tumores ósseos benignos cujas manifestações clínicas ocorrem em função de seu tamanho e localização. Na maioria dos casos relatados os tumores grandes são excisados por uma abordagem externa ou associada a uma técnica endoscópica. O tratamento endoscópico destes tumores ainda é um grande desafio para o cirurgião. Objetivo Determinar a abordagem cirúrgica ideal ao analisar osteomas gigantes dos seios frontal e etmoidal na literatura. Método Um total de 38 osteomas foram avaliados a partir da revisão da literatura. Um grupo de osteomas removidos apenas por cirurgia endoscópica foi comparado com um grupo para o qual foi utilizado uma abordagem externa (rinotomia lateral ou craniotomia) ou uma abordagem combinada, externa e endoscópica. Resultados Os autores, com base na análise estatística dos dados da literatura, observaram que o tamanho médio dos osteomas excisados endoscopicamente e daqueles que foram removidos através de uma abordagem externa não diferiram estatisticamente, tanto para osteomas localizados no seio etmoidal (p = 0.2691) quanto para os localizados no seio frontal (p = 0.5891). Conclusão A escolha do método cirúrgico parece ser independente do tamanho do osteoma e a decisão provavelmente será tomada com base na experiência prévia do cirurgião, nos equipamentos disponíveis e conhecimento de diferentes técnicas cirúrgicas.

Manejo endoscópico de osteoma etmoidal con extensión orbitaria: a propósito de un caso / Endoscopic manegement of frontoethmoidal osteoma: on case subject

El osteoma es el tumor más frecuente de los senos paranasales, habitualmente asintomático debido a su lento crecimiento, sin embargo, pueden desarrollarse síntomas dependiendo del tamaño, localización y extensión, con potencial compromiso de órbita y cerebro. La cirugía está indicada en casos sintomáticos pudiendo realizarse abordaje externo, endoscópico o combinado. Presentamos un caso de osteoma etmoidal con compromiso orbitario resuelto, manejado por medio de la cirugía endoscópica nasal, con apoyo de navegación.

The osteoma is the most common tumor of the paranasal sinuses, is usually asymptomatic because of their slow growth, however, may develop symptoms depending on the size, location and extent, with potential compromise of orbit and brain. Surgery is indicated in symptomatic cases, with external, endoscopic or combined approach. We present a case of ethmoidal osteoma with orbital involvement managed by endoscopic image guided surgery.

The possible effects of altitude and climate on the development of the frontal sinus in adults / Los posibles efectos de la altitud y el clima sobre el desarrollo del seno frontal en adultos

Climatic and altitude features of living region may affect human body. Many changes in several tissues and organs and several health problems due to climatic and altitude effects were defined in the literature. However, there were limited number of studies which evaluated correlation between development of frontal sinus and climatic/altitude effect. In this study, widths, heights, AP lengths and volumes of frontal sinus were compared by Paranasal CT scans in populations living in Van which has colder climate and higher altitude and Manisa which has milder climate and lower altitude. It was found that widths, antero-posterior lengths and volumes of frontal sinus were higher in populations living in colder climate and higher altitude according to populations living in milder climate and lower altitude. Heights of frontal sinuses were on the contrary of this. These results were found appropriate to increasing of cephalic index in cold climate according to Allen's Rule. We suggest that larger population study should be made with peoples having the same or similar race and genetic structure in different climate and altitude regions and the proportional comparison of frontal sinus measurements with cephalic index should be considered in future studies.

Las características climáticas y de altitud de una región pueden afectar al cuerpo humano. En la literatura se han identificado muchos cambios en varios tejidos y órganos, como así también numerosos problemas de salud debido a los efectos climáticos y de altitud. Sin embargo, existe un número limitado de estudios que han evaluado la correlación entre el desarrollo del seno frontal y el efecto climático / altitud. En este estudio, los anchos, alturas, longitudes antero-posteriores y volúmenes de seno frontal se compararon mediante tomografía computarizada paranasal en poblaciones que viven en Van, que tiene un clima más frío y mayor altitud, y Manisa, que tiene un clima más suave y menor altitud. Se encontró que los anchos, las longitudes antero-posteriores y los volúmenes de los senos frontales eran mayores en poblaciones que vivían en un clima más frío y de mayor altitud respecto a poblaciones que vivían en clima más suave y con menor altitud. En relación a la altura de los senos frontales, se dio la situación contraria a lo anterior. Estos resultados se encontraron adecuados con el aumento del índice cefálico en la región de clima frío, de acuerdo con la Regla de Allen. Sugerimos que se realice un estudio poblacional más amplio con poblaciones de raza y estructura genética iguales o similares en diferentes regiones climáticas y de altitud. La comparación proporcional de las mediciones de los senos frontales con índice cefálico debería considerarse en futuros estudios.

Presencia de la celdilla supra-órbito-etmoidal: revisión de la literatura a partir de un caso / Presence of supraorbital ethmoid cell: literature review from a case

La celdilla supra-órbito-etmoidal es una variación anatómica que se presenta con diferente frecuencia para las distintas poblaciones. Representa un desafío al realizar cirugía endoscópica funcional del seno frontal debido a que su presencia dificulta el drenaje adecuado del receso del frontal mismo y puede ser confundida con el seno. La celdilla supra-órbito-etmoidal presenta relaciones espaciales constantes con la arteria etmoidal anterior, sirviendo como marcador anatómico confiable para el abordaje quirúrgico. Se destaca la importancia de considerar la presencia de tabiques óseos en el seno frontal en el estudio imagenológico que puedan sugerir la presencia de la celdilla supra-órbito-etmoidal. Se presenta el caso clínico de un paciente que consulta por proptosis del ojo derecho debido a un proceso expansivo por mucocele localizado en dicha variante anatómica.

The supraorbital ethmoid cell its an anatomical variation with different frecuency for diverse populations. It represents a challenge for the endoscopical functional :surgery of the frontal sinus. The supraorbital ethmoid cell presents an estable anatomical relationship with the anterior ethmoidal artery, serving as a dependable anatomical marker for the surgical approach. We stand out the importance to consider the presence of bony septations in the frontal sinus that might suggest the presence of the supraorbital ethmoid cell. We introduce a clinical case from a patient who had an expansive process from a mucocele in the supraorbital ethmoid cell.

Analysis of the frontal sinus morphology and the titanium plates shape in skull fracture for human identification / Análisis de la morfología del seno frontal y la forma de la placa de titanio en fractura de cráneo para la identificación humana

Human identification can be performed by several methods, as anatomical structures of the facial skeletal and individuals signals. The aim of this study was to report a case of human identification from the morphological evaluation of the frontal sinus and the presence of titanium plates in skull after examination of Postero Anterior (PA) radiographs ante and postmortem. In 2008 a skull was found on a highway. Later, an alleged victim was found , who disappeared in late 2007. The skull showed postmortem teeth lost, presence of round hole in the right supra-orbital region, consistent with lesion caused by gunshot. It was also noted the presence of a miniplate of bone fixation in the form of inverted "T" in several locations of the nasal bones and bone remodeling signals in the face. PA radiograph of the skull was performed for the purpose of comparison with the X-rays provided by antemortem family. By overlapping radiographic images, there was similarity between the characteristics presented by the skull and found the alleged victim, as the frontal sinus, shape and height of the orbits, and miniplate fixation of bone with the same shape and size, not leaving no doubt that the radiographs belong to the same individual.

La identificación humana puede realizarse por varios métodos, entre ellos a partir de estructuras anatómicas del esqueleto facial y del reconocimiento de señales individuales. El objetivo de este estudio fue reportar un caso de identificación humana mediante la evaluación morfológica del seno frontal y la presencia de placas de titanio en el cráneo después del examen con radiografías posteroanteriores (PA) ante y post mortem. En 2008, se encontró un cráneo en una carretera. Más tarde, se encontró una presunta víctima, que desapareció a finales de 2007. El cráneo mostró dientes perdidos post mortem, la presencia de un orificio redondeado en la región supraorbital derecha, en consonancia con lesiones causadas por arma de fuego. También se observó la presencia de una miniplaca de fijación ósea en forma de "T" invertida en varios lugares de los huesos nasales y señales de remodelación ósea en la cara. La radiografía posteroanterior del cráneo se realizó con el propósito de comparación con los rayos X antemortem proporcionados por la familia. Por superposición de imágenes radiográficas, hubo similitud entre las características que presentó el cráneo y las de la presunta víctima, ya que el seno frontal, la forma y la altura de las órbitas, y la fijación de la miniplaca de hueso presentaron la misma forma y tamaño, no dejando ninguna duda de que las radiografías pertenecían a la misma persona.

Pneumatization of crista galli in pre-adult and adult stages / Neumatización de la crista galli en etapas pre adultas y adultas

The sinonasal region in humans is one of the regions that commonly shows anatomical variations. These variations can be easily diagnosed by paranasal CT evaluation. One of these variations is Crista galli pneumatization. In recent years, there have been opinions supporting the hypothesis that pneumatization originates from the frontal sinus. In this study, we planned to evaluate whether the presence of Crista galli pneumatization varied in pre-adult and adult periods. In this retrospectively designed study, 218 coronal paranasal CT images collected between 2012 and 2013 were evaluated. Patients were divided into two groups according to age under or over 18 years. In the group under the age of 18 (97 cases), pneumatization was detected in 2.1 % of samples, while in the group over the age of 18 (121 cases), crista galli pneumatization was observed in 15.7 % of samples. According to these results, crista galli pneumatization was found to increase in adulthood. Considering that the frontal sinus is in a rudimentary state at birth, it is radiographically detected first at 6 years of age, and reaches its main size in puberty, this increase in pneumatization runs parallel to the development of the frontal sinus. Consequently, this supports the opinion that crista galli pneumatization originates from the frontal sinus.

La región nasosinusal en los seres humanos con frecuencia muestran variaciones anatómicas. Estas variaciones se pueden diagnosticar fácilmente mediante la evaluación por tomografía computadorizada (TC) de los senos paranasales. Una de estas variaciones es la neumatización de la Crista galli. En los últimos años, se ha apoyado la hipótesis de que ésta neumatización se origina en el seno frontal. En este estudio fue evaluada la presencia de neumatización de la Crista galli y su posible variación en los períodos pre-adultos y adultos. Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo donde se evaluaron 218 imágenes de TC coronal de senos paranasales, recogidas entre 2012 y 2013. Los pacientes fueron divididos en dos grupos según la edad, menores o mayores de 18 años. En el grupo de menores de 18 años (97 casos), se detectó neumatización en el 2,1 % de las muestras, mientras que en el grupo de mayores de 18 (121 casos), se observó neumatización de la Crista galli en el 15,7 % de las muestras. De acuerdo con estos resultados, la neumatización de la Crista galli aumenta en la edad adulta. Teniendo en cuenta que el seno frontal se encuentra en un estado rudimentario en el nacimiento, se detecta radiográficamente a los 6 años de edad alcanzando su tamaño principal en la pubertad; este aumento de la neumatización es paralelo al desarrollo del seno frontal. En consecuencia, esto apoya la opinión de que la neumatización de la Crista galli se origina en el seno frontal.

Role of balloon sinuplasty in the treatment of frontal sinusitis

A fifty-one-year-old male was diagnosed with recurrent frontal sinusitis; the patient completed the full course of optimal medical therapy: nasal steroids, antibiotics and nasal douches. The patient's symptoms did not improve including frontal headaches, nasal congestion and facial tenderness over the frontal sinus. CT scan of the sinuses was performed, and it confirmed the diagnosis of isolated right frontal sinusitis. The patient underwent "balloon sinus dilatation under local anesthesia" in the ENT outpatient clinic, and he was followed-up for 18 months to monitor any complication or symptom. This was the first case that had balloon sinuplasty procedure in Bahrain under local anesthesia in a clinic setting

Cone-beam computed tomography analysis of the frontal sinus in forensic investigation / Análisis de tomografías computarizadas de haz cónico del seno frontal en la investigación forense

The frontal sinuses can provide significant evidence for forensic identification. The peculiarity of the frontal sinus contours allows a precise and meticulous analysis, reducing the risk of errors on the part of the forensic experts. To describe the use of cone-beam computed tomography as an alternative to obtaining images of the frontal sinuses. In addition, it is proposed the adoption of some anatomic references to do the axial slicing, which should have its plan being tangent to the upper limit of the orbital cavities, as well as the sagittal slicing, which should be done under the midline, so that all sinus boundaries would be observed while error margin in obtaining comparative images would be reduced. The comparison of frontal sinus images by cone-beam computed tomography can be used as an additional method in the identification process, providing the expert with a greater reliability.

Los senos frontales pueden proporcionar evidencia significativa para la identificación forense. La peculiaridad de los contornos del seno frontal permite un análisis preciso y meticuloso, lo que reduce el riesgo de errores por parte de los expertos forenses. Describir la utilización de la tomografía computarizada de haz cónico como una alternativa para obtener imágenes de los senos frontales. Además, se propone la adopción de algunas referencias anatómicas para el corte axial, que deberían tener su plano tangente al límite superior de las cavidades orbitales, así como para el corte sagital, que debería ser realizado bajo la línea mediana. Así, los contornos de los senos serían bien observados y el margen de error en la obtención de imágenes comparativas se reduciría. La comparación de imágenes del seno frontal por tomografía computarizada de haz cónico es un método adicional en el proceso de identificación, ofreciendo al profesional una mayor fiabilidad.

Forensic identification by coding of frontal sinus characteristics of CT / 法医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To explore observing parameters of frontal sinus using reconstructive coronal nose bone sections of the head CT images and to establish the special identification codes.@*METHODS@#CT images of the frontal sinus were analyzed by using distance measurement and morphological description. The discrimination codes of frontal sinus identification were: the number of right partial septa, shape-the location of the central septa, shape-the number of left partial septa, shape; the number of arches of right upper scalloping (the location of the right highest scalloping, the location of the right lowest scalloping)-the number of arches of left upper scalloping (the location of the left highest scalloping, the location of the left lowest scalloping); the width, height of the right sinus-the total width of sinus-the width, height of the left sinus.@*RESULTS@#The identification codes of the frontal sinus were highly variable individually, but the codes were not statistically differences between males and females (P > 0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#The identification codes of frontal sinus could be used for forensic individual identification, but not for sex determination.

Morphological classification of frontal sinuses on digital X-ray films and its forensic identification indexes / 法医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To explore morphological classification of the Caldwell view of frontal sinuses in computer radiography (CR) for forensic identification and to construct a forensic identification system with digital X-ray films with assistance of identification indexes coding.@*METHODS@#Four hundred CR films of the Caldwell view of frontal sinus were selected from Sichuan Han ethnic Chinese. The frontal sinuses were classified according to the relationship between the tangential line above the upper edge of the bilateral orbits and the location of the frontal sinus. Then to code the identification indexes for the frontal sinus.@*RESULTS@#The Caldwell view of frontal sinuses were classified into 6 categories. Eight identification indexes for the frontal sinus were identified, including degree of asymmetry, superiority of side, ratio of the left frontal sinus area and orbit area (A(LFS)/A(LOR)), ratio of the right frontal sinus area and orbit area ((RFS)/A(ROR)), outline of the left upper border, outline of the right upper border, occurrence of partial septa and location of frontal median margin.@*CONCLUSION@#Initial identification by the Caldwell view classification of frontal sinuses followed with coding the frontal sinuses with 8 indexes is likely a novel approach for forensic identification of the frontal sinuses in CR.

Study on identification using frontal sinus computer radiographic films of Han population in Sichuan province / 法医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To study identical indexes of frontal sinus in different locative computer radiology.@*METHODS@#Frontal sinus radiographs were analysed by combining indexes of kinds of distances and patterns, further using descriptive study to describe frontal sinus and to analyse data statistically.@*RESULTS@#The 8-identical classification of frontal sinus was proposed, basing on the ratio of frontal sinus width and orbit width, the bilateral asymmetry, the superiority of side, the numbers of arches of upper borders (left and right), the partial septa (left and right) and the location of the central septa. There was no statistical significance of sinus between sexes (P>0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Frontal sinus is tremendous inter-individual variation so it can be used for identification, but it can not be used for sex determination.

Frontal sinus cementifying ossifying fibroma

Cementifying ossifying fibroma is a fibro-osseous lesion which produces cementum. Cementifying ossifying fibroma is a mesodermal, non-odontogenic tumor of ectopic multipotential periodontal membrane blast cells. Although, it is a benign bone tumor, it has an aggressive destructive behavior in patients under 20 years of age with high tendency for recurrence. Cementifying ossifying fibroma can be recognized microscopically by the presence of cementicles. This is a case of frontal sinus cementifying ossifying fibroma presenting with proptosis in a 39-year-old male

Radiological study of the paranasal sinuses in lepromatous leprosy.

Thirty patients of lepromatous leprosy have been studied by radiological investigation for affection of paranasal sinuses. It has been found that leprosy involves all groups of sinuses and maxillary antrum is found to be more commonly affected. Diffuse hypertrophy type of lesion is more commonly recorded in maxillary antrum, in x-ray of paranasal sinuses. The clinical significance and importance of extension of disease in the sinuses is discussed in the light of available literature.