An anatomic classification of the ethmoidal bulla

Some anatomical variation of paranasal sinuses using sinus endoscopic approach on "cadaver" in Isfahan, Iran

Background:

Due to the anatomical variations of the paranasal sinuses and its great importance in sinus surgery, as this area is in very close proximity to vital structures including the optic nerve, carotid artery, and skull base, anatomical knowledge of this area is of high importance. The purpose of this study is defining a full and clear impression of paranasal sinus anatomy and its variations as a model for the human population of the country.

Materials and Methods:

This study was conducted on 45 cadavers in Isfahan forensic Medicine center during 2010 to 2011. Nasal and paranasal sinuses endoscopic dissection was done with (zero and 30°) lenses (Olympus). The methods of performed dissection were via the Stamberger technique.

Results:

This study showed that 88.9% (40 cases) of middle turbinates were in a typical form, while 6.7% (3 cases) were in medial and only 4.4% (2 cases) were in the lateral form. We also observed 88.9% (40 cases) with Agger nasi cells, 37.8% (17 cases) with Onodi cells, 28.9% cases with accessory Ostia of maxillary sinus (13 cases), and 15.6% of the cases (7 cases) with concha bullosa. The position of the maxillary sinus ostium was as follows. The inferior 1/3 of hiatus semilunaris in 38 (84.5%), superior 1/3 of hiatus semilunaris in 4 (4.4%), middle 1/3 of hiatus semilunaris in 5 (11.1%). The sphenoid ostia in 53.3% (24 cases) were slit shape, 28.9% (13 cases) oval, and 17.8% (18 cases) were round shape.

Conclusion:

Our survey showed that the distance between anterior nasal spine and anterior wall of the sphenoid sinus was within 7.6 ± 0.2 cm SD.

A patient presenting with concha bullosa in another concha bullosa: a case report

Introduction

Anatomic variations of the paranasal sinuses are very common. The paranasal sinus anatomy should be carefully examined prior to performing endoscopic sinus surgery in terms of both existent pathologies and anatomic variations. The anatomy of the paranasal sinuses and its variations have gained importance, along with advances in coronal paranasal sinus computed tomography and extensive use of endoscopic sinus surgery.

Case presentation

A 53-year-old Caucasian woman was admitted to our clinic with complaints of nasal breathing difficulties and headache persisting for a long time. Another concha bullosa was detected in the middle concha bullosa on preoperative paranasal computed tomography examination. It is known that the paranasal sinuses have a number of anatomical variations.

Conclusion

Herein we report a rare case, along with a review of the literature, to emphasize that a concha bullosa inside another concha bullosa should not be ignored.

A targeted endoscopic approach to chronic isolated frontal sinusitis

OBJECTIVE

Chronic isolated frontal sinusitis occurs infrequently. In this condition, most of the ethmoid cells are well aerated and the frontal sinus is involved secondary to anatomical obstruction or inflammatory changes confined to the frontal recess. The purpose of this study was to evaluate a targeted endoscopic technique where standard anterior ethmoidectomy is unnecessary in the treatment of chronic isolated frontal sinusitis.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING

This retrospective study was conducted in a large university-affiliated hospital and included 11 patients with chronic isolated frontal sinusitis who underwent endoscopic sinus surgery limited to the frontal sinus outflow. The ethmoid bulla was untouched in all cases. Follow-up continued for 19 to 40 months (mean 28.6 months).

RESULTS

Frontal sinus outflow patency was verified in 9 patients (81.8%). Nine patients, including one with an apparent nonpatent frontal ostium, reported improvement. Two patients-one of whom had a patent frontal ostium-reported no improvement. There were no complications.

CONCLUSION

Chronic isolated frontal sinusitis can be effectively treated in selected cases by a targeted endoscopic procedure, limited to reestablishment of frontal sinus outflow.

EBM RATING

C-4.