HALLER CELLS - MORPHOLOGIC EVALUATION, CL INICAL AND SURGICAL RELEVANCE

Ethmoidal cells that have developed into the floor of the orbit or int o die roof of die maxillary sinus, respectively, are known as Haller's cells. 528 patients, in whom functional endoscopic sinus surgery was performed were explored regarding die presence of Haller's cells. 43 p atients presented with Haller's cells at least on one side (8.14%). CT scans of these patients were evaluated morphometrically measuring the dimensions of the Haller's cells as well as of the maxillary sinus. F urther anatomical variations of the paranasal sinuses (concha bullosa, supraorbital cell, agger nasi cell) and the keros type of the ethmoid sinus roof were seen. A highly significant difference could be demons trated between the incidence of Haller's cells in men (4.9%) and women (11.9%). For the first time it was possible to demonstrate a frequenc y distribution between Haller's cells deriving from the anterior ethmo idal cells (88%) and those originating from the posterior ethmoidal ce lls (12%). In 56% Haller's cells were opacified on CT-scan showing a m ucosal swelling respectively a retention of secretion during endoscopi c surgery.