DEHISCENCE OF THE LAMINA PAPYRACEA OF THE ETHMOID BONE - CT FINDINGS

PURPOSE: To describe the CT findings characterizing dehiscence of the lamina papyracea. METHODS: Axial and coronal CT scanning of the parana sal sinuses was performed on 783 patients. RESULTS: Dehiscence of the lamina papyracea was noted incidentally in six patients. In all cases dehiscence was characterized by protrusion of orbital fat through a ga p in the anterior ethmoid. The posterior limit of the dehiscence was a lways the basal lameIla. The anterior limit varied. CONCLUSION: CT sca ns are often taken to detect polyps or assess chronic sinusitis. Aware ness of dehiscence of the lamina papyracea is important to avoid misdi agnosis as infectious or tumoral process and possible injury of the or bit during endoscopic surgery.