Relation between anterior ethmoidal artery course on computed tomography and supraorbital ethmoid cell and Keros classification.

PURPOSE: The anterior ethmoidal artery (AEA) is an important risk area in endoscopic sinus surgery. This study aimed to evaluate the course of AEA according to the Keros classification and the presence of supraorbital ethmoid cell (SOEC) and to prevent possible complications by emphasizing the importance of preoperative paranasal computed tomography (CT) imaging. This approach will increase the effectiveness of endoscopic sinus surgery and improve patient safety. METHODS: The paranasal CT scan images of patients aged > 18 years between October 2020 and November 2021 from our center were retrospectively analyzed. The images were primarily evaluated in the coronal plane, and the sagittal and axial planes were utilized to evaluate variations in AEA regarding the skull base. Furthermore, the relation of AEA course with Keros classification and SOEC was evaluated. The study included 1000 patients aged 18-80 years (right and left, a total of 2000 samples). RESULTS: Grade 3 AEA was the most common regarding the skull base. Keros Type 2 was the most common classification. Overall, 48.7% patients had SOEC. The incidence of Grade 3 AEA was higher among patients with SOEC and a higher Keros classification compared with those without SOEC and a lower Keros classification. Furthermore, Keros Type 3 was the most associated with SOEC presence. CONCLUSION: Consistent with the literature, the probability of Grade 3 AEA in patients with high Keros classification and SOEC was significantly higher in our study. Therefore, we consider that preoperative imaging according to Keros classification and SOEC presence can predict AEA course and guide surgery.

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.

Review of olfactory cleft roof anatomy.

Progress in skull-base endoscopic surgery has improved our knowledge of olfactory cleft (OC) anatomy. This article presents a review of current knowledge concerning the OC roof: descriptive anatomy, radiological exploration, and endoscopic observation. The OC is a narrow area in the most superior part of the nasal cavity. Its roof is the thinnest structure separating the nasal cavities from the brain; it comprises three superimposed tissues: nasal mucosa, ethmoid cribriform plate (ECP), and dura mater. The ECP comprises the anterior ECP containing the ethmoidal slit (ES) medially and the cribroethmoidal foramen (CEF) laterally; and the posterior ECP, comprising the olfactory foramina. The OC roof is bordered anteriorly by the nasal bone roof, laterally by the lateral ethmoid masses, and posteriorly by the jugum and anterior wall of the sphenoid sinuses. Imaging is crucial for analyzing this wall, providing precise detailed information on conformation and anatomic relations with adjacent structures such as the anterior ethmoidal artery. Understanding OC roof anatomy and correct interpretation of imaging are essential for safety in present-day functional endoscopic sinus surgery and anterior skull-base oncologic surgery.

Crista Galli Morphometry and Morphology: An Anatomical, Radiological, and Machine Learning Application Study / Crista Galli Morfometría y Morfología: Un Estudio de Aplicación Anatómica, Radiológica y de Aprendizaje Automático

SUMMARY: The study purposed to examine the morphometry and morphology of crista galli in cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and apply a new analysis, supervised Machine Learning techniques to find the answers to research questions "Can sex be determined with crista galli morphometric measurements?" or "How effective are the crista galli morphometric measurements in determining sex?". Crista galli dimensions including anteroposterior, superoinferior, and laterolateral were measured and carried out on 200 healthy adult subjects (98 females; 102 males) aged between 18-79 years. Also, crista galli was classified with two methods called morphological types and Keros classification. In this study, the Chi-square test, Student's t-test, and Oneway ANOVA were performed. Additionally, Machine Learning techniques were applied. The means of the CGH, CGW, and CGL were found as 14.96 mm; 3.96 mm, and 12.76 mm in males, respectively. The same values were as 13.54 mm; 3.51 mm and 11.59±1.61 mm in females, respectively. The CG morphometric measurements of males were higher than those of females. There was a significant difference between sexes in terms of morphological classification type. Also, when the sex assignment of JRip was analyzed, out of 102 male instances 62 of them were correctly predicted, and for 98 female instances, 70 of them were correctly predicted according to their CG measurements. The JRip found the following classification rule for the given dataset: "if CGH<=14.4 then sex is female, otherwise sex is male". The accuracy of this rule is not high, but it gives an idea about the relationship between CG measurements and sex. Although the issue that CG morphometric measurements can be used in sex determination is still controversial, it was concluded in the analysis that CG morphometric measurements can be used in sex determination. Also, Machine Learning Techniques give an idea about the relationship between CG measurements and sex.

En el estudio se propuso examinar la morfometría y la morfología de la crista galli del hueso etmoides usando tomografía computarizada de haz cónico (CBCT) y aplicar un nuevo análisis, técnicas de aprendizaje automático supervisado para encontrar las respuestas a las preguntas de investigación "¿Se puede determinar el sexo con mediciones morfométricas de la crista galli?" o "¿Qué tan efectivas son las medidas morfométricas de la crista galli para determinar el sexo?". Las dimensiones de la crista galli, incluidas los diámetros anteroposterior, superoinferior y laterolateral, se midieron y realizaron en 200 sujetos adultos sanos (98 mujeres; 102 hombres) con edades comprendidas entre los 18 y los 79 años. La crista galli se clasificó con dos métodos llamados tipos morfológicos y clasificación de Keros. En este estudio, se realizaron la prueba de Chicuadrado, la prueba t de Student y ANOVA de una vía. Adicionalmente, se aplicaron técnicas de Machine Learning. Las medias de CGH, CGW y CGL se encontraron en 14,96 mm; 3,96 mm y 12,76 mm en hombres, respectivamente. Los mismos valores fueron 13,54 mm; 3,51 mm y 11,59 ± 1,61 mm en mujeres, respectivamente. Las medidas morfométricas del CG de los hombress fueron más altas que las de las mujeres. Hubo una diferencia significativa entre sexos en cuanto al tipo de clasificación morfológica. Además, cuando se analizó la asignación de sexo de JRip, de 102 instancias masculinas, 62 de ellas se predijeron correctamente, y de 98 instancias femeninas, 70 de ellas se predijeron correctamente de acuerdo con las mediciones de CG. El JRip encontró la siguiente regla de clasificación para el conjunto de datos dado: "si CGH<=14.4, por tanto el sexo es femenino, de lo contrario, el sexo es masculino". La precisión de esta regla no es alta, pero da una idea de la relación entre las medidas del CG y el sexo. Aunque la pregunta si las medidas morfométricas CG se pueden usar en la determinación del sexo sigue aún siendo controvertida. Se concluyó en el análisis que las medidas morfométricas CG se pueden usar en la determinación del sexo. Además, las técnicas de aprendizaje automático dan una idea de la relación entre las medidas de CG y el sexo.

Supraorbital ethmoid cells (SOECs), anterior ethmoid artery notch and ethmoid roof relation in PNSCT.

OBJECTIVES: We investigated supraorbital ethmoid cell (SOEC) presence and types in paranasal sinus computed tomography (PNSCT). METHODS: The PNSCT images of 188 adult patients (93 males and 95 females) were evaluated as SOEC group (n = 87 sides), and non-SOEC group (n = 289 sides, control). In both groups, anterior ethmoid artery (AEA) notch-ethmoid roof distance and presence of AEA canal were evaluated. In the SOEC group, SOEC types (type 1 to 3) and SOEC angle are also examined. RESULTS: SOEC was detected in 87 sides (23.13 %). SOEC type 2 was the most detected type (71.3 %). AEA notch-ethmoid roof distance of the SOEC group was significantly higher than those in the non-SOEC group. AEA notch-ethmoid roof distance of the SOEC Type 3 group was significantly higher than SOEC Type 2 group. AEA notch-ethmoid roof distance was 3.74 ± 1.81 mm in the SOEC group and 0.68 ± 1.16 mm in the non-SOEC group. When SOEC types were considered, this distance was 5.29 ± 2.66 mm in type 3, 3.35 ± 1.35 mm in type 2 and 3.48 ± 0.92 mm in type 1. In higher SOEC types, SOEC angle; and AEA notch-ethmoid roof distance increased. CONCLUSION: In more pneumatized SOEC presence, SOEC angle increase, and AEA notch-ethmoid roof distance increases, AEA runs inferiorly in the ethmoid cells and freely below the skull base; and is more susceptible to injury. The surgeons should be more careful not to damage AEA in the FESS when detecting well-pneumatized SOECs (SOEC Type 3).

Anatomical identification of supraseptal posterior ethmoid cells and its significance for endoscopic sinus surgery.

BACKGROUND: To investigate the anatomical imaging characteristics of supraseptal posterior ethmoid cells (SPEC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Paranasal sinus computed tomography scans of 153 inpatients from February 2019 to September 2021 were reviewed, and the anatomical characteristics of SPEC in the scans were collected. RESULTS: Supraseptal posterior ethmoid cells are posterior ethmoid (PE) cells extending medially and superiorly to the posterior superior of the nasal septum and into the sphenoid body but not close to the optic canal. The SPEC, Onodi cell, and sphenoidal sinus (SS) may appear in the posterior superior of the nasal septum, but the occurrence rate of the SPEC (5.88%; 9/153 cases) was significantly lower than that of the SS (22.88%) and Onodi cell (21.57%). The anterior SPEC is adjacent to the cribriform plate, the perpendicular plate of the ethmoid bone and the posterior ethmoidal artery (PEA). The posterior SPEC is adjacent to the SS and PE (6/9 cases), the SS and Onodi cell (2/9 cases) or the PE only (1/9 cases). CONCLUSIONS: The SPEC is a rare pneumatization that occurs in the posterior superior area of the nasal septum. Care should be taken to protect the skull base, cribriform plate and PEA when opening the SPEC during endoscopic sinus surgery.

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.

Radiological relationship of the ethmoid slit with the frontal sinus and the anterior ethmoidal artery and applications to the frontal sinus drillout.

PURPOSE: To compare two types of CT acquisition parameters: CT scan of the facial bone and CT scan of the sinuses, for studying the ethmoidal slit and its relationship with the frontal sinus and anterior ethmoidal artery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective study of 145 scans of the sinuses and 79 of the facial bones performed between 2012 and 2016. On each scan, the visibility of the ethmoidal slits, their length, their distance from the ethmoidal artery, and their relationship with the anterior and posterior wall of the frontal sinus were studied. RESULTS: The ethmoidal slit was better visualized on CT scans of the facial bone (58.2%) than on those of the sinuses (43.1%) (p = 0.02). The distance between the anterior ethmoidal artery and the anterior part of the cribriform plate was 9.3 mm for CT scans of the facial bone and 8.4 mm for CT scans of the sinuses. The theoretical risk of damaging the glabellar soft tissue and that of damaging the meninges during a frontal sinusotomy was evaluated, respectively, at 9.6% and 26.1% for CT scans of the facial bone, and at 6.2% and 21.5% for sinus scans. CONCLUSIONS: CT scans of the facial bone are better than CT scans of the sinuses for identifying ethmoidal slits and their distance from the canal of the anterior ethmoidal artery. The identification of these elements is relevant for the surgeon during frontal sinus surgery and makes it possible to assess the risk of damaging the glabellar soft tissue or meninges. Performing a CT scan of the facial bone seems preferable to that of a CT scan of the sinuses in certain pathological situations, such as cerebrospinal rhinorrhea or revision surgeries of the frontal sinus.

Evaluation of Cribriform Plate Dimensions and Middle Turbinate Length in Patients With Vomeral Agenesis: A Computed Tomography Study.

The cribriform plate and attachment area of the middle turbinate are anatomical structures that may potentially be injured during septoplasty and/or endoscopic sinus surgery. The purpose of this study is to compare the cribriform plate and middle turbinate length dimensions between patients with vomer agenesis (VA) and the control group using paranasal sinus computed tomography (CT). Paranasal sinus CTs performed in our hospital between January 2011 and January 2021 were evaluated and patients with VA were identified. A control group was created from patients who underwent paranasal sinus CT for various reasons during the same date interval. The cribriform plate and middle turbinate lengths were statistically compared between the groups. A total of 10,095 paranasal sinus CTs were evaluated and 54 patients with VA were identified. Seven patients with VA were excluded from the study because their measurements could not be made accurately. Forty-seven VA patients were included in the study group, while 94 patients were included in the control group. There was no statistical difference in cribriform plate dimensions (medial ethmoid roof plate height, cribriform plate height, cribriform plate lateral lamella height and width) between the groups (for all dimensions P >0.05). The middle turbinate length was significantly higher in the VA group (for right and left P =0.020 and 0.011, respectively). These findings theoretically suggest that the risk of cribriform plate injury during septoplasty and/or endoscopic sinus surgery is similar in patients with or without VA.

The relationship between ethmoidal foramina and orbital fat herniation.

BACKGROUND: The aims of this study are to determine the incidence and more frequent localizations of orbital fat tissue herniation accompanying dehiscences in the medial orbital wall and to investigate the relationship between orbital fat tissue herniations and the anterior and posterior ethmoidal foramina. METHODS: One thousand two hundred patients who had undergone computed tomography with a preliminary diagnosis of sinusitis and who had no previous facial, orbital, paranasal sinus surgeries or history of trauma were retrospectively analyzed. The localization of the ethmoidal foramina and orbital fat tissue herniations were marked. In patients with orbital fat tissue herniation, the relationship between the localization of orbital fat tissue herniation and the anterior and posterior ethmoidal foramina was investigated. RESULTS: The incidence of orbital adipose tissue herniation in our study was 7.9%. Of the 98 herniations on the bilateral medial orbital wall, 60 were in zone 3, and the most common herniation site was zone 3. A statistically significant difference was noted between the localization zone of the anterior ethmoidal foramen and the localization zones of orbital fat tissue herniations (Fisher's exact test, p < 0.001). DISCUSSION: Zone 3 is the weakest area of the medial orbital wall, and zone 3 is the most prone to herniation of fat tissue. The association of orbital fat tissue herniations with the anterior ethmoidal foramen is extremely common. Being cognizant of this finding may help a surgeon better estimate the anatomical view to be met before functional endoscopic sinus surgery as well as to minimize the risk of possible orbital complications, especially anterior ethmoidal artery injury.

Ethmoid roof morphometric measurements of a pediatric population using computed tomography.

OBJECTIVE: To reveal the anatomical relationships of the ethmoid roof on CT in pediatric case group. METHODS: We measured the depth of olfactory fossa (DOF), the width of olfactory fossa (WOF), the angle between lateral lamella and cribriform plate (LLCPA), the width of the olfactory cleft (WOC), the length of lateral lamella (LLL), orbital roof fovea to ethmoidal distance (ORFED) and orbital roof to cribriform plate distance (ORCPD) and we determined Keros and LLCPA types from paranasal sinus CT of subjects under 16 years of age retrospectively. RESULTS: The incidence of Keros type I was higher in females and Keros Type II in males. The ORCPD, DOF and LLL values were found to be higher in 13-16 years age group and WOF and LLCPA in 4-6 years age group. The prevalence of Keros type II was higher in the 13-16 age group, and Keros type I was higher in other age groups. LLCPA type A was the most frequent in all age groups and in both sexes. There was a positive correlation between age and ORCPD, DOF, LLL, and a negative correlation with ORFED, WOF, LLCPA. Olfactory fossa width and depth had a negative correlation. LLCPA had a positive correlation with WOF and a negative correlation with DOF. There was a positive correlation between LLCPA and LLL. DOF and LLL had a positive correlation too. CONCLUSIONS: Paranasal sinus CT provides useful information about frontal skull base anatomic relations before sinus surgery in pediatric cases.

Patterns of Pneumatization of the Posterior Nasal Roof.

(1) Background: For good surgical performance, sound knowledge of anatomy is required. Although the ethmoid air cells and sphenoid sinuses are subject to a high degree of variation, their possible extensions above the nasal fossa at the posterior end of the cribriform plate of the ethmoid bone (CPEB) were seemingly overlooked. (2) Methods: We retrospectively studied 162 case files from 55 male and 107 female cases, with ages varying from 42 to 80, which were scanned using Cone Beam Computed Tomography. (3) Results: In 56.17% of cases, an unpneumatized CPEB (type I) was found. Nasal roof recesses of ethmoidal origin (type II) were found at the posterior end of the CPEB in 20.37% of cases. Different types of sphenoidal pneumatizations of the posterior end of the CPEB (type III) were found in 22.83% of the cases. Onodi cells projected nasal roof recesses (type IV) in only 10 cases. In all types, nasal roof recesses were found either above the CPEB or within/underneath it. Moreover, such nasal roof recesses were found to be either unilateral, extended contralaterally, or bilateral. (4) Conclusions: As such recesses of the posterior CPEB, previously overlooked, belong to the posterior rhinobase, they should be carefully documented preoperatively to avoid unwanted surgical damage to the olfactory bulb or CSF fistula.

The important adjacent structures for anterior ethmoidal artery in FESS: Anterior ethmoidal artery canal angle, supraorbital ethmoid cells and Keros classification.

OBJECTIVES: This study investigated the visualization of the anterior ethmoidal artery (AEA) as notch, canal and sulcus, its relationship between supraorbital ethmoid cells (SOECs) and the Keros classification of the olfactory fossa on paranasal sinus computerized tomography (PNSCT). METHODS: In this retrospective study, the paranasal sinus computerized tomography (PNsCT) images of 204 patients (103 males and 101 females) were analyzed. AEA canal, notch and sulcus, SOECs, the distance between AEA notch and ethmoid roof, AEA canal angle and Keros classification of the olfactory fossa were evaluated. RESULTS: AEA notch in all patients and AEA canal (37.6 to 45.6%) and AEA sulcus (53.5 to 61.2%) were visualized. In the AEC canal and sulcus visualized patients, the Keros classification revealed higher. AEA notch and ethmoid roof distance increased in patients with higher Keros types. The presence of SOECs was significantly higher in males (41.7%) than females (19.8%) on the left side. There was a positive correlation between SOEC presence and Keros classification. In patients with SOEC, bilateral AEA canal and sulcus visualized more; and bilateral AEA notch and ethmoid roof distance increased. On the right side, the AEA canal angle of the males was significantly higher than that of the females. In patients with SOEC, the left AEA canal angle also increased. CONCLUSION: When detected SOECs and higher Keros types, the AEA was detected away from the skull base, AEA notch-ethmoid roof distance increased; and the AEA canal angle increased. To avoid intracranial penetrations, PNSCT should be evaluated carefully during the preoperative period.

Anatomical Variations of Anterior Ethmoidal Foramen and Cribriform Plate: Relations With Sex.

ABSTRACT: Position of anterior ethmoidal artery and height of lateral lamella of cribriform plate (LLCP) represent critical variants in endoscopy.In 200 maxillofacial computed tomography scans of patients the position of anterior ethmoidal foramen (AEF) in relation to ethmoid roof was recorded. The height of LLCP was measured and classified according to Keros classification.Differences in AEF position and distribution of Keros types, and LLCP height according to sex were assessed through chi-square test (P < 0.05) and 1-way analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) test, respectively (P < 0.05). Differences in LLCP height according to different AEF position were assessed through Mann-Whitney test (P < 0.05).No differences were observed in prevalence of AEF exposure according to sex (P > 0.05); LLCP height was higher in males than in females, with a higher frequency of Keros type 3 (P < 0.05). Moreover, subjects with AEF exposure had a significantly higher LLCP height (P < 0.01).Results highlighted innovative data useful for improving the knowledge of these sensitive variants.

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.

[Applied anatomy of the medial orbital wall]. / Prikladnaya anatomiya medial'noi stenki glaznitsy.

The article provides an overview of foreign and domestic studies on the anatomy of the medial wall of the orbit. Possible structural variants of the osseus structures of the medial wall and their applied clinical significance are indicated, including those having individual occurrence: additional lacrimal bone, morphological features of the structure of the fossa of the lacrimal sac, location, shape and size of the cells of the ethmoid bone, Onody cells, Haller infraorbital cell, the relative position of the anterior and posterior ethmoid foramina, the presence of additional ethmoid foramina, dysgenesis of the lacrimal bone and the orbital plate of the ethmoid bone. The anatomical prerequisites for the occurrence of intraoperative complications with surgical access to the medial wall of the orbit are described.

Ambiguous "olfactory" terms for anatomic spaces adjacent to the cribriform plate: A publication database analysis and quest for uniformity.

A precise nomenclature and terminology is the foundation of communication in Anatomy and related biomedical sciences. The olfactory bulbs and nerves lie above and below the cribriform plate (CP), respectively. Hence, many anatomical landmarks in this region have names adopting the term "olfactory" as qualifiers. Ambiguous use of these "olfactory" terms exists, with some potential repercussions on patient treatments. We performed a publication database analysis to determine the frequency of misuse of names for seven anatomical "olfactory" spaces close to the CP and nasal cavity. We searched PubMed® publications having the keyword "olfactory" in their title or abstract, plus one of seven other keywords: "groove", "fossa", "recess", "cleft", "vestibule", "sulcus", and "cistern". We reviewed all abstracts for accuracy of these terms relative to accepted norms or customary definitions. By February 2020, we found all these keywords in 1255 articles. For the terms olfactory "groove" and "fossa", the number of relevant articles (and percentage of those inaccurately using these terms) were 374 (1.1%), and 49 (8.2%), respectively. All 52 abstracts containing "olfactory" and "vestibule" were irrelevant, relating to the "nasal vestibule" and olfactory function, instead of "olfactory vestibule". Overall, terms used to describe "olfactory" spaces near the CP are seldom ambiguous or inaccurate, but the terms olfactory "groove" and "fossa" are occasionally misused, We propose several new "olfactory" terms for inclusion in the Terminologia Anatomica, and stress the need for uniform nomenclature leading to greater consistency and accuracy in clinical use of anatomical terms containing the word "olfactory" as a descriptor.

Anatomic Variations of Ethmoid Roof and Risk of Skull Base Injury in Endoscopic Sinus Surgery: Statistical Correlations.

BACKGROUND: Recent developments in endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) have increased the need to investigate the complex anatomic variations in the ethmoid roof and skull base, to inform the surgeon about the risk of damaging these crucial areas during ESS. OBJECTIVE: To offer a detailed description of sinus anatomy focusing on the key surgical landmarks in ESS and frontal recess surgery to standardize a systematic approach during the preoperative sinuses imaging evaluation.Methodology: A total of 220 computed tomography (CT) scans were reviewed to obtain six sets of measurements: the depth of the cribriform plate (CP); the length of the lateral lamella of the cribriform plate (LLCP); the angle formed by the LLCP and the continuation of the horizontal plane passing through the CP; the position of the anterior ethmoidal artery (AEA) at the skull base; the extent of frontal sinus pneumatization (FSP); the type of superior attachment of the uncinate process (SAUP). RESULTS: The length of the LLCP was statistically significantly correlated with the different Keros classification types, the angle formed by the LLCP with the continuation of the horizontal plane passing through the CP, and with the AEA position at the skull base. The depth of the olfactory fossa was correlated with FSP. CONCLUSIONS: According to the Keros and Gera classifications, the data obtained from these evaluations allow the assessment of anatomic-radiological risk profiles and can help identify those patients who are high risk for ethmoid roof injury.

[Proposal for the delineation of postoperative primary clinical target volumes in ethmoid cancers]. / Proposition de délinéation des volumes cibles anatomocliniques postopératoires de la tumeur primitive des cancers de l'ethmoïde.

It is proposed to delineate the anatomo-clinical target volumes of primary tumor (CTV-P) in ethmoid cancers treated with post-operative radiotherapy. This concept is based on the use of radioanatomy and the natural history of cancer. It is supported by the repositioning of the planning scanner with preoperative imaging for the replacement of the initial GTV and the creation of margins around it extended to the microscopic risk zones according to the anatomical concept. This article does not discuss the indications of external radiotherapy but specifies the volumes to be delineated if radiotherapy is considered.