Infraorbital ethmoid (Haller's) cells: a panoramic radiographic study.

OBJECTIVE Haller's cells or infraorbital ethmoid cells refer to the ethmoidal pneumatization of the superior aspect of the maxillary sinus and floor of the orbit. The clinical importance of these entities initiated this study with an aim to determine the prevalence and characteristics of Haller's cells on panoramic radiographs. METHODS The study group comprised 600 healthy adults of both genders with an age range of 18-60 years. One panoramic radiograph for each of the patients was made and interpreted for the presence of Haller's cells. The data collected were subjected to statistical analysis: frequencies/percentages, descriptive statistics, χ(2) test and cross-tabulation (contingency table analysis) to obtain the results. RESULTS Haller's cells were noted in 96 patients, accounting for a prevalence of 16%. Of these patients, 77.1% were unilateral while 22.9% were bilateral. Among 96 cases, a total of 204 cells were found. The majority of the cells were round or ovoid in shape. The unilocular type of Haller's cells occurring unilaterally was statistically significant. CONCLUSION This study has attempted to explore the characteristics of Haller's cells on panoramic radiographs. A description of Haller's cells on these radiographs may prove vital in enumerating the differential diagnosis for patients afflicted with intractable orofacial pain and reduce the risk of untoward intraoperative complications during endonasal procedures.

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