Computed tomography of the ethmoid labyrinth and adjacent structures.

Area of Science:

• Otorhinolaryngology
• Radiology
• Anatomy

Background:

• Ethmoid labyrinth anatomy and its relation to adjacent structures are complex.
• Anatomic variants in the ethmoid region are common and clinically significant.
• Microsurgery is increasingly used for paranasal sinus diseases, necessitating precise anatomical knowledge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the architecture of ethmoid labyrinths and their adjacent structures.
• To emphasize common anatomic variants in the ethmoid region.
• To demonstrate the utility of computed tomography (CT) in preoperative planning for sinus microsurgery.

Main Methods:

• High-resolution computed tomography (CT) was performed on six healthy young subjects.
• Axial and coronal CT scans were acquired.
• Data were supplemented by examining 62 patients with nonneoplastic paranasal sinus disease.

Main Results:

• Detailed anatomical mapping of the ethmoid labyrinths was achieved.
• Common anatomical variants were identified.
• CT provided exhaustive answers to 10 key questions relevant to sinus microsurgery.

Conclusions:

• Computed tomography (CT) is essential for detailed preoperative anatomical delineation in sinus microsurgery.
• CT imaging effectively addresses the anatomical requirements for modern sinus microsurgery.
• Understanding ethmoid labyrinth anatomy and variants via CT enhances surgical safety and efficacy.