Sagittal reformatted CT scan in evaluation of the role of the agger nasi cell and nasofrontal bony beak in chronic frontal sinusitis

ABSTRACT

The present study aimed at investigation of the role of the Agger nasi cell and the nasofrontal bony beak as a cause of compromised or obstructed frontal recess and chronic frontal sinus disease. The relationship of these structures to the frontal recess had been studied with the use of conventional and helical computed tomography [CT] in the coronal and axial planes along with sagittal reformatted images in 30 patients with chronic frontal sinusitis. Data from coronal and sagittal images as well as data from conventional and helical scanning C.T were compared. Endoscopic frontal recess clearance was performed for 25 out of 30 patients with chronic frontal sinusitis. Endoscopic examinations revealed prominent Agger nasi cell in 86.7% and 33.3% septal deviation. Coronal C.T images revealed 63.3% compromised frontal recess by Agger nasi cell, while prominent nasofrontal beak was seen in 13.3% of cases. During the follow-up period, 22 patients had complete resolution of all symptoms, 6 of them had occasional attacks of frontal sinusitis, 3 patients showed no improvement at all and 2 patients required further surgery