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Updated: Jan 22, 2026

High-Resolution Cardiac Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography for Small Animals
Published on: December 16, 2022
Posterior ethmoid cell expansion towards the inferolateral region of the sphenoid sinus: a computed tomography study
Jinfeng Liu1, Qitong Liu2, Ningyu Wang3
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100020, China. sanming_1978@163.com.
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.
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