ETHMOIDAL LABYRINTH: AN ANATOMICAL AND COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHIC STUDY

Abstract

The ethmoidal labyrinth is one of the paranasal sinuses which is composed of a group of ethmoidal air cells that are arranged in anterior, middle and posterior groups. The paranasal sinuses have different functions as lightening of the skull bones, adding resonance to voice, and adding proper nutrition to the skull. The detailed anatomy of this region together with the computed tomography (CT) helps the endoscopic as well as intranasal sinus surgery.

The aim of this work was to study the anatomy and computed tomography of the ethmoidal labyrinth to decrease the complications of endoscopic intranasal surgery.

The material of this work consisted of cadaveric specimens and dried skulls (fifteen for each for the anatomical study) and living subjects (thirty cases) for the radiological study.

The anatomical study involved full description of the ethmoidal labyrinth including its blood supply through injection of the common carotid artery with colored latex and creation of anatomical measurements starting from the anterior nasal spine (ANS) and their angle of inclination form the floor of the nose. The computed tomographic study involved studying the different cuts of the ethmoidal labyrinth and its relation to the paranasal sinuses and also detecting the extramural extension of the ethmoidal air cells outside the ethmoidal capsule.