Analysis of sphenoid sinus and ethmoid sinus volume and asymmetry by sex: A 3D-CT study.

PURPOSE: To measure the volume of the sphenoid and ethmoid sinuses and to analyse the asymmetry index values by age/gender. METHODS: Three-dimensional (3D) Computed Tomography (CT) images of 150 individuals (75 females, 75 males) of both sexes between the ages of 18-75 were included in our study. Sphenoid and ethmoid sinus volumes were measured using the 3D Slicer software package on these images, and the asymmetry index was calculated. RESULTS: In our study, mean sphenoid sinus volume (female right: 4264.4 mm3, left: 3787.1 mm3; male right: 5201.1 mm3, left: 4818.2 mm3) and ethmoid sinus volume (female right: 3365.1 mm3, left: 3321.2 mm3; male right: 3440.9 mm3, left: 3459.5 mm3) were measured in males and females. Left sphenoid sinus values of males were statistically higher than females (p = 0.036). No statistically significant relationship existed between age, sinus volumes, and asymmetry index (p > 0.05). A statistically weak positive correlation existed between males' left sphenoid and ethmoid sinus volume (rho = 0.288; p = 0.012). There was no statistical relationship between asymmetry index in the whole group (p > 0.05). A statistically weak negative correlation was found between sphenoid and ethmoid sinus asymmetry index in males (rho=-0.352; p = 0.002). There was no statistical relationship between asymmetry index in females (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Knowing paranasal sinus morphology, morphometry, and asymmetry index value will be significant for preoperative and postoperative periods.

Are the Ethmoidal Foramina Through the Frontal Bone, Ethmoid Bone, or Frontoethmoidal Suture?

INTRODUCTION: To investigate the locations of the anterior, middle, and posterior ethmoidal foramina and their relationships to the frontoethmoidal suture. METHODS: One hundred twenty sides from sixty adult human skulls were used. Specimens with significant damage to the medial orbit wall were excluded. The number of ethmoidal foramina (anterior, middle, and posterior) on the medial orbital wall and the relationship of each foramen to the frontoethmoidal suture were recorded and classified as follows: Type I: superior to the frontoethmoidal suture; Type II: on the frontoethmoidal suture; Type III: inferior to the frontoethmoidal suture. RESULTS: Of the ninety-four sides, fourteen (14.9%) had one foramen, sixty-two (66.0%) had two , and eighteen (19.1%) had three. In total, 192 ethmoidal foramina were observed. Among the fourteen sides with one foramen, eight foramina were anterior and six were posterior. Among the 192 ethmoidal foramina, 162 were eligible for fur ther classification (74 anterior, 14 middle, and 74 posterior). Types I, II, and III ethmoidal foramina were found in 38.3% (62/162), 61.7% (100/162), and 0% (0/162), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Our current study found a higher incidence of type I than previously reported. It is important to be aware of the significant incidence of foramen variations when the medial orbit wall is manipulated during surgery. Unless caution is observed, an inadvertent surgical injury can occur and lead to life-threatening complications. Therefore, a good understanding of orbital anatomy and its potential variations is critical for improving patient out comes.

Examination of ethmoidal roof regarding Keros and Yenigun classifications in a Turkish population: a computerized tomography study.

PURPOSE: Understanding ethmoid roof morphology is crucial to prevent complications in endoscopic sinus surgery. This study aimed to evaluate the morphological properties of the ethmoidal roof regarding gender and age differences using Keros and Yenigun classifications on high-resolution computed tomography images. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 891 high-resolution computed tomography paranasal sinus study images and measured the depth of the cribriform plate in coronal sections and the anterior-posterior length in axial planes. The study retrospectively examined CT images of paranasal sinuses of patients living in the eastern Anatolian region of Turkey. RESULTS: In both Keros and Yenigun Classifications, the most common class was type 2, and the least common class was type 3. According to Keros et al.'s method, no significant difference was observed between men and women (p = 0.698). However, according to Yenigun et al., the average values of women in terms of the anterior-posterior distance of the ethmoid roof were significantly higher than men (p = 0.001). When examined according to age, a very low, negative correlation was revealed regarding Keros and Yenigun classifications (p = 0.047 and p < 0.001 retrospectively). According to Keros and Yenigun's classification, there was no significant difference between the left and right sides (p = 0.488 and p = 0.919, respectively). CONCLUSION: The morphological properties of the ethmoidal roof have importance to be considered for preoperative planning. Studying larger patient groups and meta-analyses that gather various research results about this subject might help better understand the ethmoidal roof morphology among populations.

Clinical and imaging features of ethmomaxillary sinus compared to Haller's cell.

PURPOSE: Understanding the anatomy of the paranasal sinuses and their variations is essential to achieving safe and effective endoscopic sinus surgery. The ethmomaxillary sinus (EMS) is a relatively under-researched anatomical variation. This study investigated the prevalence, clinical features, and effect of EMS on the maxillary sinus in comparison with Haller's cells. METHODS: Patients who visited the Rhinology Clinic at our hospital for rhinologic symptoms between January 2020 and December 2020. Computed tomography (CT) scans of paranasal sinuses were obtained at 1 mm-section thickness. Using CT scans, we investigated the clinical features of EMS, measured maxillary sinus volume, and analyzed the presence of maxillary sinusitis. RESULTS: EMS was observed in 26 of the 250 patients (10.4%). The male-to-female ratio was equal. The age ranged from 18 to 83 years (mean age, 56.3). Of the patients with EMS, 65.4% were unilateral and 34.6% were bilateral. The prevalence of Haller's cells was similar to that in EMS (10.8%). In the analysis of patients with unilateral EMS, the EMS side was found to have a significantly reduced maxillary sinus volume compared to the opposite side, whereas the difference was not significant in Haller's cells. There was no significant relationship between EMS or Haller's cells and maxillary sinusitis. CONCLUSIONS: EMS can significantly affect maxillary sinus volume. Therefore, surgeons should thoroughly review PNS CT scans before paranasal sinus surgery to determine the presence and features of EMS.

Anterior ethmoid and frontal sinus drainage pathways: five patterns formed and defined by their bony walls.

PURPOSE: To perform endoscopic sinus surgery safely and effectively, surgeons need to visualize the complex anatomy of the anterior ethmoid and frontal sinus region. Because this anatomy is so variable and individualized, the foundation of understanding lies in identifying, following, and visualizing the drainage pathway patterns and anticipating possible variations. METHODS: We studied 100 sides (50 cases: 22 male, 28 female, aged 12-86, average age 46.5 years, ± 19.5) using computed tomography (CT) and multiplanar reconstruction (MPR) to identify and classify the drainage pathways leading to the frontal sinus and anterior ethmoidal cells. RESULTS: Analysis revealed five patterns of drainage pathways defined by their bony walls: between the uncinate process and the lamina papyracea [UP-LP]; between the uncinate process and the middle turbinate [UP-MT]; between the uncinate process and the accessory uncinate process [UP-UPa]; between the uncinate process and the basal lamella of the ethmoidal bulla [UP-BLEB]; and between the basal lamella of the ethmoidal bulla and the basal lamella of the middle turbinate [BLEB-BLMT]. In most cases, BLEB formed the posterior wall of the drainage pathway of the frontal sinus, indicating BLEB could be one of the most important landmarks for approaching the frontal sinus. CONCLUSIONS: As endoscopic sinus surgery depends on an understanding of this anatomy, this study may help surgeons to identify and follow the drainage pathways more accurately and safely through the anterior ethmoid to the frontal sinus.

Anatomical Study of Ethmoidal Foramina and Optic Canal in Endoscopic Trans-Nasal Approach to Anterior Skull Base.

BACKGROUND: Surgery to anterior skull base is challenging since complex structures are involved. Injury of olfactory fila and optic nerve may result in postoperative complications. In our study, the authors aim to use computer topographic image to provide a comprehensive anatomical information of anterior skull base and set up a new classification of optic canal (OC) in ethmoid sinus by the degree of bony defect, so as to help surgeons in endoscopic transnasal approach to anterior skull base. METHOD: Computer topographic angiography images of 112 individuals were reviewed, the measurement was performed on coronal, sagittal, and axis planes after the multiplanar reformation. Nostril and mid-sagittal lines were used to locate the anterior, middle, and posterior part of ethmoidal foramina and orbital opening of OC. Further, the authors classified OC in ethmoidal sinus into 4 types by the degree of the bony defect. RESULT: Distance between nostril to anterior, middle, and posterior part of ethmoidal foramina and OC are 6.23 ± 0.21, 6.62 ±â€Š0.26, 7.29 ±â€Š0.25, and 7.76 ±â€Š0.41 mm, respectively. Angle between line from nostril to ethmoidal foramina and horizontal plane are 47.50°â€Š±â€Š1.03°, 41.67°â€Š±â€Š1.33°, 37.20°â€Š±â€Š1.34°, respectively. For the 4 types of OC, the percentage is 15.6%, 11.6%, 31.3%, and 41.5%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings provide anatomical information of ethmoidal foramina and OC during endoscopic transnasal approach to anterior skull base, on the basis of some fixed anatomical landmarks. So as to enhance the surgical safety of this procedure and aid in the choice of the appropriate endoscopic equipment for the procedure.

The Whole Lateral Type of the Sphenoethmoidal Cell and Its Relevance to Endoscopic Sinus Surgery.

BACKGROUND: The sphenoethmoidal cell and the sphenoid sinus (SS) show great similarity in endoscopy and imaging. Hence, it is important to accurately identify the sphenoethmoidal cell preoperatively to prevent injury of the nerve and artery during endoscopic surgery. The aim of the present study was to investigate a special type of sphenoethmoidal cell. METHODS: A total of 365 inpatients whose paranasal sinus computed tomography (CT) was collected and reviewed from May 2018 to September 2019 were included. The anatomical imaging characteristics of the sphenoethmoidal cell were observed. RESULTS: A special type of the sphenoethmoidal cell was found on 9 sides in 730 sides (1.3%), according to its extension to the SS. Unlike Onodi cell (49.6%) and Jinfeng cell (1.3%), this cell simultaneously extends toward the superolateral, lateral, and inferolateral regions of the SS and is simultaneously closely attached to the optic canal and the maxillary nerve. Presently, this cell is named as the whole lateral type of the sphenoethmoidal cell, and the SS is located at the medial or inferomedial of it. CONCLUSIONS: When evaluating the paranasal sinus CT preoperatively, attention must be paid to the possibility of the whole lateral type of sphenoethmoidal cell appearing, not just Onodi cell, extending into the SS.

Impact of the ethmoid volume on endoscopic medial wall decompression outcomes in Graves' orbitopathy.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic orbital decompression is a well-established technique for Graves orbitopathy treatment. AIMS: Measurement of the ethmoid volume and its correlation with proptosis reduction in patients undergoing endoscopic orbital decompression for Graves' orbitopathy. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed clinical charts of 209 patients (319 orbits) operated by a surgeon at our institution between 1998 and 2019. RESULTS: Average age was 46.9 years. About 83.3% of the patients were female, 54.6% were smokers, 93.8% were euthyroid at the time of decompression, 3.8% were hypothyroid and 2.4% were hyperthyroid. About 77.5% of the patients underwent bilateral surgery, the remainder and unilateral. Subsequent stages included strabismus surgery in 22.5% patients, Müllerectomy 37.8%, with or without canthoplasty (14.8 vs. 23%). Mean proptosis reduction was 4.61 mm. Mean ethmoid volume was 5.57 mm3. Ethmoid volume had a moderate positive correlation with proptosis reduction (r s = 0.49, p < .001). Further investigation, statistically significant moderate correlation was found only in the small (SE) and big (BE) ethmoid groups. CONCLUSION: We advise evaluating ethmoid sinus pneumatization on computed tomography before decompression to estimate possible anatomical limitations. Additional wall decompression might be advocated in most severe cases.

The sphenoethmoidal sinus and the modified anatomy of the related structures.

The anterior extent of the sphenoidal sinus in the posterior ethmoid was less investigated. Our purpose was to study whether, or not, the occurrence of a sphenoethmoidal sinus (SES) relates to a sagitally-shortened ethmoid. A retrospective cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) was performed on 36 patient files. In six patients were found SES extended anteriorly above the posterior third of the middle turbinate (MT). Two of these patients had bilateral SES with ethmoidal chambers included in the lateral and superior nasal walls and draining in the sphenoethmoidal recesses. The correlation between the nasion-to-concha sphenoidalis distance and the presence of SES was statistically significant (less than 40 mm in SES cases and more than 40 mm in non-SES cases). We also found: (i) superior turbinates (STs) with ethmoidal and sphenoidal insertions on one side and ethmoidal and maxillary insertions on the opposite side (the maxillary insertion of ST modifies surgical landmarks and was not previously reported), (ii) MT perforation and (iii) pterygoid recess of the maxillary sinus located beneath the pterygopalatine ganglion fossa. The SES thus shortens sagitally the lateral nasal wall but does not modify its morphology. The MT perforation, ST maxillary insertion and the pterygoid recess are rare anatomic variants not reported previously in our knowledge.

Analysis of the anatomic variations of the ethmoid roof among Saudipopulation: A radiological study

The olfactory fossa (OF) is a depression in the anterior cranial cavity whose floor is formed by the cribriform plate of ethmoid, bounded laterally by the lateral lamella of cribriform plate and medially by crista galli. Keros categorized the olfactory fossa depth into 3 types. For a successful endoscopic sinus surgery, the surgeons should pay attention to the details when dealing with the complex anatomy of the paranasal sinuses (PNS) and skull base. The aim of this study was to describe the distribution of Keros classification of the height of ethmoid roof among Saudi population by using multidetector computed tomography (MDCT). This was a retrospective study conducted on 511 patients (360 males and 151 female) referred for MDCT assessment of PNS over a two-year period. The mean age of our patients was 34.47± 10.69 years, aged between 18 and 79 years. Patients with nasal trauma, surgeries or any pathological diseases affecting the ethmoid roof were excluded from the study. Keros type II was the commonest presentation observed in 53.2% of cases, followed by type I in 12.5%, then type III in 11.7% of cases. Out of the 511 patients analyzed, 115 (22.5%) cas-es had asymmetry (different types of OF) on both sides. Conclusion: The majority of studied Saudi adult population showed Keros type II (53.3%), followed by type I (12.5%). Keros type III was seen in 11.7% among the studied population

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Lengthening the nasoseptal flap pedicle with extended dissection into the pterygopalatine fossa.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Releasing the nasoseptal flap (NSF) pedicle from the sphenopalatine artery (SPA) foramen may considerably improve flap reach and surface area. Our objectives were quantify increases in pedicle length and NSF reach through extended pedicle dissection into the pterygopalatine fossa (PPF) through cadaveric dissections and present clinical applications. STUDY DESIGN: Anatomical study and retrospective clinical cohort study. METHODS: Twelve cadaveric dissections were performed. Following standard NSF harvest, the distance from the anterior edge of the flap to the anterior nasal spine while pulling the flap anteriorly was measured. As dissection into the SPA foramen and PPF continued, similar interval measurements were completed in four stages after release from the SPA foramen, release of the internal maxillary artery (IMAX), and transection of the descending palatine artery (DPA). The extended pedicle dissection technique was performed in seven consecutive patients for a variety of different pathologies. RESULTS: The mean length of the NSF from the anterior nasal spine and maximum flap reach were 1.91 ± 0.40 cm/9.3 ± 0.39 cm following standard harvest, 2.52 ± 0.61 cm/9.75±1.06 cm following SPA foramen release, 4.93 ± 0.89 cm/12.16 ± 0.54 cm following full IMAX dissection, and 6.18 ± 0.68 cm/13.41 ± 0.75 cm following DPA transection. No flap dehiscence or necrosis was observed in all seven surgical patients. CONCLUSIONS: Extended pedicle dissection of the NSF to the SPA/IMAX markedly improves the potential length and reach of the flap. This technique may provide a feasible option for reconstruction of large anterior skull base and craniocervical junction defects. Seven successful cases are presented here, but further studies with larger series are warranted to validate findings in a clinical setting. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 130:18-24, 2020.

Anatomical variation of the pneumatized superior turbinate and its impact on endoscopic sinus surgery in chronic rhinosinusitis.

PURPOSE: The posterior ethmoid sinus is adjacent to important structures, such as the orbit, optic nerve, skull base, and ostium of the sphenoid sinus. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of pneumatization of the superior turbinate (ST) and its basal lamella, and of the position of the anterior wall of the sphenoid sinus, on opening of the posterior ethmoid and sphenoid sinuses. METHODS: On axial, coronal, and sagittal computed tomography images, 394 sinuses of 197 patients who underwent endoscopic sinus surgery at Toho University Omori Medical Center in Tokyo, Japan, were classified according to the presence or absence of pneumatization of the ST and its basal lamella. The basal lamella of the ST was classified separately into the vertical and horizontal portions. We examined whether the classification of the anterior wall of the sphenoid sinus was associated with the structure of the ST. RESULTS: Pneumatization was observed in the ST in 28 sinuses (7.1%), in the vertical portion of the basal lamella in 127 (32.2%), and in the horizontal portion of the basal lamella in 90 (22.8%). Pneumatization in the horizontal portion of the basal lamella was significantly more common in the anterior sphenoidal wall classified as optic-canal type. CONCLUSION: Consideration should be given to the pneumatization of the ST and its basal lamella and optic-canal-type anterior sphenoidal wall, because these reduce the volume of the posterior-most ethmoid cell and may increase the risk of damaging the skull base and optic nerve.

Histological and computed tomographic characteristics of the sinonasal structure of BALB/c mice.

Mice models were used to study the pathogenesis of mice and human diseases. Although some mice models of allergic rhinitis and rhinosinusitis have been reported, no detailed anatomic, histological and computed tomographic comparative data of the normal murine sinus are available in the literature for new researchers to establish mice models. The purpose of this study was to clarify the histological and computed tomographic characteristics of the normal nasal sinus in BALB/c mice. Fifteen sinonasal specimens were collected. Five mice were subjected to micro-computed tomography imaging, and then dissected to observe its anatomic landmarks, and 10 mice were subjected to haematoxylin and eosin staining. Important anatomic landmarks were clearly demonstrated, including the ethmoturbinates, nasoturbinal, maxilloturbinate, ethmoid sinus, maxillary sinus, nasopharyngeal duct, nasolacrimal duct and vomeronasal organ. Full and typical sinonasal landmarks can be visualized by gross anatomy, micro-computed tomography imaging and haematoxylin and eosin staining, which will be useful for establishing the mouse models of nasal disease.

Incidence of anatomical variations according to the International Frontal Sinus Anatomy Classification (IFAC) and their coincidence with radiological sings of opacification.

BACKGROUND: The endonasal access to the frontal recess and sinus may be complicated by a variety of anatomical variations. Previous classifications of these variants were characterized by proper names or position information without anatomical reference. The IFAC is intended to simplify the classification of anatomical variations of the frontoethmoidal complex. The aim of this study was to analyse a representative number of sinus CT scans to assess the incidence of anatomical variations according to the IFAC and to compare the results with previous classifications. In addition, the coincidence of complex anatomical variations and radiological sings of opacification was investigated. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL: Two hundred and forty-nine sinus CT scans were analysed in multiplanar reconstructions. Exclusion criteria were previous operations on the paranasal sinuses, malignant diseases, and an insufficient image quality. All anatomical variants were analysed according to the IFAC criteria. In addition, the coincidence of radiological sings of opacification and the presence of anatomical variations of the frontal recess and sinus were investigated. RESULTS: The analysis revealed Agger nasi cells in 95% of the CT scans. Supra agger cells (SACs) were detected in 49% and Supra agger frontal cells (SAFCs) in 25% of the data sets. Suprabulla cells (SBCs) were detected in 89% and Supra bulla frontal cells (SBFCs) in 27% of the scans. Supraorbital ethmoid cells (SECs) were detectable in 9% and interfrontal septal cells in 28% of the scans. Despite a partially strong narrowing of the frontal recess, no increased occurrence of radiological sings of opacification could be detected (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Anatomical variations in the frontoethmoidal area are very common. According to the IFAC criteria, in 43% of the patients, cells could be detected with pneumatization to or into the frontal sinus. The IFAC is structured more clearly compared to previous classifications due to the anatomical aspect. It represents the most consistent classification regarding surgical planning. Further studies will demonstrate the scientific and clinical value of this classification.

Posterior ethmoid cell expansion towards the inferolateral region of the sphenoid sinus: a computed tomography study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the anatomical imaging characteristics of posterior ethmoid cells (PEs) expanding towards the inferolateral region of the sphenoid sinus (SS). METHODS: This study included a total of 278 inpatients (556 sides) whose paranasal sinus computed tomography (CT) scans were reviewed and collected from May 2018 to February 2019. The anatomical imaging characteristics of PEs expanding towards the inferolateral region of the SS were observed. RESULTS: PEs expanding towards the inferolateral region of the SS formed an inferolateral spheno-ethmoid cell (ISEC). ISECs were observed on three sides (0.54%; 3/556) in three cases (1.08%; 3/278). All of the ISECs were present unilaterally on the right side of the SS. The ISECs originated from the most posterior ethmoid cell; they were first located at the medial aspect of the orbital apex, pneumatized continually backward to the inferomedial wall of the orbital apex, and then extended into the lateral region of the SS. The ISECs further extended laterally, inferiorly and posteriorly beyond the sphenoid body into the greater wing and/or pterygoid process. CONCLUSION: An ISEC is a rare variation of ethmoid air cells. Preoperative recognition of ISECs is essential to achieve safe and effective endoscopic sinus surgery because of the important anatomical location.

Reliability of the supraorbital ethmoid cell vs Keros classification in predicting the course of the anterior ethmoid artery.

BACKGROUND: We previously showed that the supraorbital ethmoid cell (SOEC) is a reliable landmark for identifying the anterior ethmoid artery (AEA). Recent data have suggested that Keros classification is also a dependable predictor. We aim to characterize the location of the AEA and its relation to the skull base in patients with and without SOEC using the Keros classification. METHODS: Retrospective radiographic evaluation of computed tomography (CT) scans of 76 patients (40 with SOEC, 36 without) was conducted. Distance of AEA from skull base and prevalence of AEA outside of the skull base were measured on each side and compared between groups using the 2-sample t test and χ2 test, respectively. Subgroup analysis was carried out based on the Keros classification. RESULTS: Mean distance of AEA from the skull base was 1.32 ± 1.5 mm in patients with SOEC and 0.47 ± 1.08 mm in those without (p < 0.001). Prevalence of AEA outside of the skull base was 53.8% in those with SOEC and 18.1% in those without (p < 0.001). Comparing patients with SOEC to those without, AEA was found below the skull base in 30% vs 0% of cases with Keros type 1 (p = 0.45), 58% vs 14.5% with Keros type 2 (p < 0.001), and 60% vs 50% with Keros type 3 (p = 0.72). CONCLUSION: The presence of SOEC is associated with a higher prevalence of the AEA coursing below the level of the skull base in all Keros types, thus placing the artery at greater risk for injury. Careful surgical planning is needed to avoid potential orbital complications.

The Anterior Ethmoidal "Genu": A Newly Appreciated Anatomic Landmark for Endoscopic Sinus Surgery.

Human sinonasal anatomy varies widely between patients, challenging surgeons operating in the sinuses. Ethmoid sinus anatomy is so variable it has been referred to as a labyrinth. Accordingly, reliable, consistent anatomic landmarks aid surgeons operating in this region. The goal of this investigation was to explore our observations and hypothesis that the ethmoidal bulla and the uncinate process are not entirely separate structures but rather attach, and the attachment could potentially provide a landmark for surgeons performing ethmoid and frontal recess surgery. Ethmoid sinus anatomy was studied in 57 sinonasal complexes through a variety of methods including gross anatomic dissection, endoscopic dissection and 3D CT stereoscopic imaging. The uncinate process and ethmoidal bulla were noted to fuse at the superior aspect of the hiatus semilunaris in 57/57 cases, forming a genu-like feature in the anterior ethmoid. This consistent anatomic feature related closely to the frontal sinus drainage pathway, which drained medial to it in 44/57 (77%) cases. The anterior ethmoidal "genu" appears to be an excellent anatomic feature that surgeons can use during ethmoid and frontal recess surgery. High resolution 3D stereoscopic CT scan is capable of demonstrating sinonasal anatomy in a detailed fashion previously only achieved by cadaveric dissection. This technology can potentially allow for a virtual dissection of a patient's anatomy prior to surgery and could improve minimally invasive procedures and reduce complications. Clin. Anat. 32:534-540, 2019. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Imaging and anatomical features of ethmomaxillary sinus and its differentiation from surrounding air cells.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the imaging anatomical characteristics and clinical significance of the ethmomaxillary sinus (EMS). METHODS: The study included a total of 280 ENT Outpatient Department patients with nasal symptoms whose paranasal sinus CT scans were analyzed from January 2012 to December 2016. The anatomical imaging characteristics of EMS were observed. RESULTS: EMS was observed in 23 of 280 patients, with an incidence of 8.2%. Bilateral EMS appearance in 17 cases (73.9%) was significantly higher than that of unilateral EMS in 6 cases (26.1%) (P < 0.01). EMS occurs when there are anterior or anterior-inferior cells of the posterior ethmoidal sinus (PEs) extending toward the maxillary sinus (MS) and entering the MS through the maxillary hiatus rather than spreading from outside of the MS. EMS is surrounded by five walls, and the main position of EMS was invariably located in the posterior-superior corner of the MS and draining to the superior nasal meatus (SNM). EMS must be differentiated from SNM, sphenoid sinus, and retromaxillary pneumatization of PEs, because they may appear between the MS and the orbital floor. CONCLUSION: EMS was not a rare variation that should be careful identification during endoscopic sinus surgery. Accurately confirming EMS is the key to completely opening and removing lesions in the MS and EMS.

The Terracol and Ardouin developmental model of frontal sinus drainage pathway and surrounding spaces: a radiologic validation.

BACKGROUND: The complexity of the frontal sinus drainage pathway (FSDP) can be challenging even for expert surgeons. Several classifications have been proposed to simplify the understanding of FSDP, whose anatomical variability can be simplified based on the knowledge of its developmental mechanisms. METHODS: Cone-beam computed tomography studies performed at the Unit of Radiology of the University of Brescia between March and November 2012 were retrospectively analyzed. FSDP was classified as medial or lateral to the vertical portion of the uncinate process and the following anatomical variants were studied: agger nasi cell, Kuhn's cells, suprabullar cell, supraorbital ethmoid cell, suprabullar frontal cell, and frontal septal cell. The developmental model of the FSDP proposed by Terracol and Ardouin was analyzed and expected associations between the position of the drainage pathway and anatomical variants were formulated. Statistical associations between anatomical variants and the position of FSDP were calculated and compared with expected associations to validate the developmental model. RESULTS: The anatomical variants of FSDP statistically validated the developmental model of Terracol and Ardouin. CONCLUSION: Knowledge of the possible developmental patterns of FSDP helps the surgeon in the understanding of the complexity of the frontoethmoidal region.