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.

The reconstruction of skull base defects in infants using pedicled nasoseptal flap-a review of four cases.

INTRODUCTION: Benign lesions of the skull base are common in the paediatric population, and are usually congenital in aetiology. Majority of these lesions are treated transcranially exposing the patients to a number of risks. Although endoscopic endonasal surgery (EES) helps avoid many of these potential morbidities, CSF leak with its attendant complication remains a big concern. This study reports the use of the Hadad flap in the reconstruction of skull base defects in infants to prevent this problem. The study was conducted on four infants with a mean age of 7 months, who underwent repairs for CSF leaks associated with congenital lesions like meningocele or meningoencephalocele, using the Hadad flap. Of the four patients, three cases were revision cases and one was primary where the patients presented with complaints such as nasal obstruction and watery nasal discharge. Post surgery, the infants were monitored for a mean period of 23 months and no major complications or recurrent CSF drainage were observed. Minor complications that were observed include vestibulitis and crusting in the nose. The utility of the Hadad flap in the reconstruction of skull base defects in the paediatric age group has been controversial while its utility in infants has not been studied in literature so far. We report here in our series four infant patients in whom we believe that the nasal septum and the skull base will develop proportionally to each other, hence lowering the chances of a short flap and eliminating the occurrence of future complications. CONCLUSION: The nasoseptal flap is an effective and safe technique for reconstructing skull base defects in infancy. It can be concluded that this technique does not have any potential effect on septal or craniofacial growth as the flap is harvested only on one side with normal mucosal cover on the other side. There is no posterior septectomy or any form of bony or cartilaginous resection that is performed, hence avoiding any effects on bony growth. No studies have been published in literature so far and to the best of our knowledge, this is the first report describing the efficacy of the nasoseptal flap in infants.

Osteologic analysis of ethnic differences in supernumerary ethmoidal foramina: implications for endoscopic sinus and orbit surgery.

BACKGROUND: Knowledge of the position of the ethmoidal arteries is critical to enable safe endoscopic sinus and orbital surgery. The presence of a third or "middle" ethmoid variant has recently become more relevant as endoscopic intraconal surgery continues to advance. The purpose of this study was to quantify the presence of supernumerary (ie, over 2) ethmoid foramina in different ethnicities and genders. METHODS: Morphometric osteologic measurements were performed in 273 orbits. Prevalence of supernumerary ethmoid foramina and orbital length data were obtained from human skulls of Asian (n = 54), Caucasian (n = 70), African (n = 39), Hispanic (n = 49), and Middle Eastern (n = 61) derivation. Correlations between gender, ethnicity, symmetry, orbital floor, and lamina papyracea length were assessed by analysis of variance, paired t test, and χ2 test. RESULTS: Supernumerary foramina were identified in 95 of 273 orbits (34.79%). A significantly higher prevalence was seen in Asian (42.59%), African (41.02%), and Hispanic (41.00%) skulls as compared with Caucasian (25.71%) and Middle Eastern (22.95%) skulls (p < 0.05 for all). The length of the orbital floor was significantly shorter in the Asian (3.35 ± 1.52 cm) specimens (p < 0.01). Asians were found to have the highest risk of ethmoid artery injury compared with the other ethnic groups (ratio of number of supernumerary foramina to orbital floor length = 0.72). CONCLUSION: Supernumerary ethmoidal foramina were common among all orbits studied. Orbits of Asian and African derivation had significantly greater numbers of ethmoidal foramina, both unilaterally and symmetrically and within a shorter orbital length, suggesting a greater proximity between the ethmoidal vessels. Surgeons should be alert to the possible presence of middle ethmoidal vessels during endoscopic sinus and orbital approaches.

The prevalence of the Onodi cell - Most suitable method of CT evaluation in its detection.

BACKGROUND: The Onodi cell (sphenoethmoidal air cell) is an anatomic variant of the most posterior ethmoid cell that pneumatised superiorly and laterally to the sphenoid sinus, and is in close relation to the optic nerve. The proper identification of the Onodi cell is essential during a pre-operative computer tomography (CT) examination, as the presence of that ethmoid cell variant makes sphenoid sinus surgery more risky. The bulging of the optic nerve to the ethmoid cell wall is well visualized during endoscopic examination, but there are no clearly defined criteria for a potentially dangerous Onodi cell type in CT examinations. OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence and types of Onodi cell in CT examination and find the most suitable CT scanning planes to identify it. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Three plane (axial, coronal and sagittal) reconstructions of 196 paranasal sinuses were analyzed. The most posterior ethmoid cell was classified into four types, according to its position in relation to the sphenoid sinus and the optic nerve canal bulging into the lumen of the sphenoethmoid cell. RESULTS: The Onodi cell was detected in 39.8% of cases, although in 55.6% of cases a direct contact between the most posterior ethmoid cell and the optic nerve was present. Bulging of the optic nerve canal was seen in 25% of cases. In two cases two posterior ethmoid cells were in direct contact with the optic nerve canal. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of the Onodi cell was higher than previously reported. Pre-operative paranasal sinuses CT examination should be evaluated in all three planes (axial, coronal and sagittal) to avoid missing or over-detection of the Onodi cell. Axial and sagittal planes are preferable for the detection of the Onodi cell.

Encefalocele frontoetmoidal / Frontoethmoidal encephalocele

No disponible

Characteristics of Dehiscence of Lamina Papyracea Found on Computed Tomography Before Orbital and Endoscopic Endonasal Surgeries.

The aim of this study was to identify characteristics of dehiscence of the lamina papyracea found on computed tomography (CT) before orbital and endonasal endoscopic surgeries.The authors retrospectively reviewed the medical records of all patients who underwent orbital tumor removal, orbital decompression, and dacryocystorhinostomy from January 2012 to December 2015. The diagnosis of dehiscence of the lamina papyracea was made based on a bone defect with protrusion of orbital fat into the ethmoid sinus on CT, with no history of orbital trauma and/or eye movement disturbance on the same side.Overall, 6 patients (1.4%) were identified from among 315 patients (90 orbital tumors, 150 orbital decompressions, and 75 endoscopic endonasal dacryocystorhinostomies). All patients were asymptomatic. All dehiscence was limited to the anterior ethmoid sinus, with fat prolapse of <1 cm. An opacified ethmoid sinus was found in 1 of the 6 patients (17%) with dehiscence of the lamina papyracea. Operative area included the dehiscence site in 1 patient. Intraoperatively, the periorbita was found to be defected at the dehiscence site with intact connective tissue septa. The dehiscence site served as a landmark for the operation.Dehiscence of the lamina papyracea is a rare anomaly, but occasionally encountered in orbital and endoscopic endonasal surgeries.

[Individual nasal endoscopic surgery for non-sinusitis-related rhinogenous headache: our experience in 68 cases].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the role of anatomical abnormalities in non-sinusitis-related rhinogenous headache and to evaluate effects of nasal endoscopic surgery for non-sinusitis-related rhinogenous headache. METHOD: Sixty-eight patients diagnosed as non-sinusitis-related rhinogenous headache were selected in this study. They were treated with nasal endoscopic surgery after failed long-term medical treatment. Data from this group were analyzed retrospectively. RESULT: Multiple anatomical abnormalities were noted by endoscopy and sinus computed tomographic scans in the 66 patients. These included nasal septum deviation in 46 cases (67.6%), middle turbinate gasfication in 20 cases (29.4%), protruding ethmoid bulla or uncinate processor in 10 cases (14.7%) and abnormal middle turbinate in 8 case (11.8%). Fifty-six (82.4%) patients showed significant improvement after surgery. CONCLUSION: Non-sinusitis-related rhinogenous headache can be significantly minimized with individual nasal endoscopic surgery, as long as a precise identification of the etiologic anatomical factor can be made.

Semilobar Holoprosencephaly Associated with Multiple Malformations in a Foal.

A full-term male foal born in a farm holidays in Maremma (Tuscany, Italy) was euthanized shortly after birth due to the presence of several malformations. The rostral maxilla and the nasal septum were deviated to the right (wry nose), and a severe cervico-thoracic scoliosis and anus atresia were evident. Necropsy revealed ileum atresia and agenesis of the right kidney. The brain showed an incomplete separation of the hemispheres of the rostral third of the forebrain and the olfactory bulbs and tracts were absent (olfactory aplasia). A diagnosis of semilobar holoprosencephaly (HPE) was achieved. This is the first case of semilobar HPE associated with other organ anomalies in horses.

Value of systematic analysis of the olfactory cleft in case of cerebrospinal rhinorrhea: incidence of olfactory arachnoid dilatation.

To report on the presence of olfactory arachnoid dilatations (OAD), a previously undescribed radiologic feature of spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea originating from the cribriform plate of the ethmoid bone. The medical records of all patients treated between 2001 and 2011 at a tertiary care center for a spontaneous CSF rhinorrhea originating from the cribriform plate were retrospectively reviewed. The radiological work-up included high-resolution computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging with at least the following sequences: T1, T2, and T2 with fast imaging employing steady state acquisition (FIESTA). Thirty cases were identified. The mean age at diagnosis was 49. Fourteen patients (47 %) had a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more and 3 patients (10 %) had a BMI between 25 and 29.9. Five patients had a history of meningitis. The imaging work-up revealed a bone defect of the cribriform plate in 6 cases (20 %), associated to a typical meningocele in 14 cases (47 %). In ten patients (33 %), there was no defect of the cribriform plate, but ultrathin coronal T2-FIESTA sequences revealed an OAD, i.e. a dilatation of the arachnoid sheath of the olfactory fibers, in nine cases (30 %), or a "pseudo-polyp" outlined by a thin layer of arachnoid (1 patient, 3 %). Preoperative imaging should be carefully analyzed for the presence of OAD or "pseudo-polyp" in patients presenting with a CSF rhinorrhea without bony defect of the cribriform plate.

[Naso-ethmoido-maxillary protrusion (NEMP): a specific dysmorphosis]. / La pro-naso-ethmoïdo-maxillie (PNEM) : une dysmorphose spécifique.

Naso-ethmoido-maxillary protrusion (NEMP) is a rare dental and facial dysmorphosis, with excessive growth of basicranium, ethmoid, maxillary, and nasal bones. The clinical presentation includes nasal and upper lip protrusion, telecanthus, a class 2 malocclusion with maxillary protrusion and exoclusion. The craniofacial field is increased in Delaire's analysis. Contrary to isolated maxillary protrusion secondary to membranous ossification dysfunction, NEMP is a constitutional anomaly resulting from an excessive primary growth of the chondrocranium. The therapeutic management of NEMP should take into account these specificities.

Ethmoidal encephalocele associated with cerebrospinal fluid fistula: indications and results of mini-invasive transnasal approach.

Anterior skull base defects with encephalocele in adults are quite rare and can be a cause of spontaneous rhinoliquorrhea; however, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) fistula can be not rarely misdiagnosed for several months or years. Five adult patients affected by ethmoidal encephalocele with CSF fistula were treated in our institute from 2006 through to 2011. Onset of clinical history was represented by rhinoliquorrhea, which was precociously recognized in only 1 patient; in the other 4, it was misdiagnosed for a period ranging from 11 months to 5 years. After clinical diagnosis of CSF fistula and after brain magnetic resonance imaging, ethmoidal encephalocele was evident in all patients; preoperative study was completed by spiral computed tomography scan, to clearly identify the skull base bone defect. All patients were operated on by transsphenoidal endonasal endoscope-assisted microsurgical approach through 1 nostril. The herniated brain was coagulated and removed, and reconstruction of cranial base was performed. Postoperative rhinoliquorrhea or other complications did not occur in any patient at short and late follow-up. All patients were discharged after a few days. Endonasal endoscope-assisted microsurgical approach was effective in exposing and repairing the ethmoidal bone defect; tridimensional vision and wide lateral and superior exposition of the operative field were possible in each patient, thanks to the use of microscope and angulated endoscope.

Is there a relationship between cribriform plate dimensions and septal deviation angle?

The aim of this retrospective study was to investigate the relationship between cribriform plate (CP) dimensions and septal deviation degree. Coronal paranasal CT scans of 99 patients were reviewed. We measured depth and width of cribriform plate on both sides and compared with septal deviation side and septal deviation degree. Deviation angles were 6.85 ± 1.47° for right deviations; and 7.11 ± 1.63° for the left deviations. The mean depth of CP was 5.08 ± 1.57 mm at the right side and 5.06 ± 1.59 mm at the left side; and the mean width of CP was found 4.71 ± 1.36 mm at the right side and 4.56 ± 1.51 mm at the left side. When CP dimensions were evaluated according to the septal deviation side, mean width of CP was 4.69 ± 1.36 mm at ipsilateral side (deviated side); and 4.58 ± 1.51 mm at the contralateral side. The mean depth of CP was 4.9 ± 1.56 mm at the ipsilateral side (deviated side); and 5.22 ± 1.58 mm at the contralateral side. The CP depth at the contralateral side was significantly higher than that of the ipsilateral side (deviated side). In right SD, ipsilateral and contralateral CP depth increased. As deviation angle increased, ipsilateral and contralateral CP width, right and left CP width increased. Ipsilateral and contralateral CP width; and additionally ipsilateral and contralateral CP depth increased together. In other words, right and left CP width; and CP depth increased simultaneously. It is well known that the higher incidence of intracranial penetration is on the side where the position of the ethmoid roof (ER) is lower. The presence of septal deviation, the possibility of the deeper CP at the contralateral side should be taken into consideration to avoid iatrogenic injury.

Computed tomography of the anterior skull base in Kallmann syndrome reveals specific ethmoid bone abnormalities associated with olfactory bulb defects.

CONTEXT: Kallmann syndrome (KS) is characterized by congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (CHH) and an impaired sense of smell related to defective development of the olfactory system. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to use high-resolution computed tomography (CT) to detect specific abnormalities in the ethmoid bone region surrounding the olfactory bulbs in patients with KS. PATIENTS: Thirty-seven KS patients were compared to normosmic CHH (nCHH) patients (n = 15) and controls (n = 30) of similar age. DESIGN AND METHODS: We conducted a prospective study in a single referral center. Subjects underwent CT in bone windows with axial, coronal, and sagittal reconstructions centered on the olfactory fossa (OF) and cribriform plate (CP). We characterized the OF structure by measuring OF height, width, and surface area and a series of angles. The CP foramina were counted bilaterally. Olfactory bulb magnetic resonance imaging, performed in parallel, was compared with CT findings. RESULTS: OF height, width, and surface area were all significantly lower in KS patients than in nCHH patients and controls (P < .0001). KS patients also had wider angles than nCHH patients and controls (P < .0001). KS subjects with olfactory bulb agenesis on magnetic resonance imaging or who harbored KAL1 mutations had the most marked changes in OF measurements and angles. Coronal OF height distinguished KS patients from controls with the best sensitivity and specificity. The mean number of CP foramina was similar in KS, nCHH, and control subjects. CONCLUSIONS: KS is associated with specific ethmoid bone abnormalities. The preserved number of CP foramina in KS patients suggests that the integrity of olfactory structures is not mandatory for their formation during fetal development or their maintenance in adult life.

A cadaveric study of ethmoidal foramina variation and its surgical significance in Caucasians.

AIMS: To describe the morphometric and geometric relationships of the medial orbital wall ethmoidal foramina and the orbital apex in a Caucasian population. METHODS: 47 orbits from 24 formalin-fixed cadavers were exenterated. Morphometric measurements were taken between anatomical landmarks located on the medial orbital wall and geometric values were calculated. RESULTS: The average distances from the anterior lacrimal crest to the anterior ethmoidal foramen, posterior ethmoidal foramen and optic canal were 25.61 mm (± 2.25), 36.09 mm (± 3.86) and 43.77 mm (± 2.52), respectively. The average distances from the anterior ethmoidal foramen to the first posterior ethmoidal foramen, last posterior ethmoidal foramen and optic canal were 13.88 mm (± 3.51), 16.60 mm (± 2.19) and 21.65 mm (± 2.59), respectively. The average distances from the first and last posterior ethmoidal foramen to the optic canal were 11.63 mm (± 3.79) and 7.25 mm (± 2.59), respectively. CONCLUSION: The distance between the posterior ethmoidal foramen and optic canal is more than double the distance quoted in the surgical literature. This is due to a high incidence of ethmoidal foramina variation. Surgeons operating on the medial orbital wall of a Caucasian population must be aware of these variations as they are a source of haemorrhage and act as landmarks of proximity to the optic canal.

Inferior encephalocele: transpalatal repair using paired costal bone grafts with a 14-year follow-up.

A 2-year-old girl was referred to our hospital because of a pulsating mass in the roof of the mouth. On examination, a mass measuring 4 × 5 cm was found in the roof of the mouth and nose with a secondary palatal cleft. She had hypertelorism, a bifid nose, and a visible cleft over the dorsum and skin of the nose. In 1 stage, the mass was opened, reduced, and repositioned into the cranial cavity, and the defect was repaired with 2 parallel bridges of split costal bone grafts. The bone grafts were placed between 2 layers of soft tissue and the mucosa repaired over it. Palatal cleft was repaired with the Veau-Wardill-Kilner method 1 year later. Fourteen years later, the bifid nose was corrected using a flying-bird incision and a costal cartilage graft for the dorsum of the nose. On follow-up, minimal scar remained on the tip of the nose. There was neither obliteration nor reduction in the size of the bony defect. There were no operative complications, and the shape of the nose improved. The patient and her parents were highly satisfied with the result.