Imaging study on anatomy of ostoimestal complex in healthy and sinusitis groups

Objective To study the appearance rate of special anatomy of the ostoimestal complex:Haller Cells(HC),aerated middle turbinate(AMT),paradoxical middle turbinate(PMT) and uncinate process pneumatization(UPP) between the healthy and the chronic sinusitis groups by spiral CT with thin-slice,high-resolution scanning and multiplanar reconstruction technique.Methods One hundred and seventy-three patients with chronic sinusitis and 94 cases of controls(no sinusitis history or positive findings on CT scan) were enrolled in this study.Each case was scanned transversely by 8 line spiral CT(GE,America),and then data were transferred to the background workstation(GE Advantage Windows 4.0) and resulted in serial coronal and sagittal photos on one screen by MPR.Haller cells,aerated middle turbinate,paradoxical middle turbinate and uncinate process pneumatization were analyzed by ENT doctor and radiology doctor.Statistical analysis was done by chi square test with SPSS10.0.Results Significant difference(P0.05) existed between the healthy and the chronic sinusitis groups in the appearance rate of Haller Cells and aerated middle turbinate.There was no statistical distinction difference(P0.05) between the healthy and the chronic sinusitis groups in the appearance rate of paradoxical middle turbinate and uncinate process pneumatization.Conclusion Haller cells,aerated middle turbinate,paradoxical middle turbinate and uncinate process pneumatization,located at the ostoimestal complex,played different roles in the obstruction of sinus and formation of sinusitis.