Rhinology & Otology

Biography

Biography: Mohamed Ahmed Eladl

Abstract

Paranasal sinuses are four paired air-filled hollow sacs that surround the nasal cavity. Coronal plane computerized tomographic (CT) scanning has greatly enhanced paranasal sinuses imaging anatomy and increasingly, delicate bony anatomic variations and mucosal abnormalities of this region are being detected. In addition, anatomy has been modified significantly after endoscopes were started to be used commonly. Although the clinical significance of studies of paranasal sinuses development is limited, it is important for the otolaryngologist and radiologist to understand the details of the variation seen in the development of the paranasal sinuses in a clinically relevant manner. Knowledge of the development and pneumatization of sinuses and proper understanding of the highly complex paranasal sinuses anatomy and their anatomical variations is important for understanding sinusitis pathogenesis and its complications. It also helps for proper planning for surgical and endoscopic interventions and reduces complications following endoscopic sinus surgery. The paranasal sinuses develop as early as 8th week of intrauterine life from ridges and furrows in the lateral nasal wall. The maxillary sinuses pneumatize at birth and demonstrate an increasing growth pattern until 15 years of age. The frontal sinuses begin to pneumatize at 2 years of age and exhibit a faster growth pattern between 6 and 19 years of age. The sphenoid sinuses display a growth surge between 6 and 10 years of age and completed by 15 years of age. The ethmoid sinuses exhibit a faster initial tendency to increase until 7 years of age and completed by 15-16 years of age.