Evaluation of the Anterior Ethmoidal Artery Course in Pediatric Patients

Abstract

Introduction: The anterior ethmoidal artery (AEA) is an important structure to be considered in endoscopic endonasal surgery, which can lead to serious complications due to injury. We aimed to reveal AEA’s course and age-dependent variations and the relationship with closely related structures in pediatric cases. Methods: The paranasal sinus computed tomography of patients under 18 years was retrospectively reviewed. The coronal reformated plane, which is perpendicular to the hard palate, was used for measurements. The AEA was assessed for its course at or below the skull base, and the distance was measured. In addition, the depth of the olfactory fossa (DOF) and nasal septal deviation (NSD) were measured. Results: A total of 156 patients were enrolled in this study. As the DOF increases, the AEA skull base distance also increases (p0.05). Conclusion: These results show that the olfactory roof anatomy and NSD are not only related to the embryonic period but also an ongoing process after birth.

Keywords

• anterior ethmoidal artery
• pediatric
• skull base
• ethmoid roof
• nasal septal deviation
• olfactor fossa