Prevalence of Haller Infraorbital Ethmoidal Cells on Panoramic Radiograph – A prospective study

Abstract

Background: Haller's cells are anatomical variations in the development of the nose and paranasal sinuses. Numerous pathologies and symptoms are associated with this entity. So the present study was planned to evaluate the prevalence and the characteristics of Haller's cells on panoramic radiographs. Aim: The aim was to determine the prevalence and evaluate the characteristics of Haller's cells on panoramic radiographs. Settings and Design: Sample was selected from the Department of Oral Medicine, Diagnosis and Radiology, and the study was carried out for 1 year. The panoramic radiographs were evaluated for the presence of Haller cells. Materials and Methods: The study included 860 patients of both genders with an age range of 18–60 years. A panoramic radiograph was made and evaluated for the presence of Haller's cells and also side, shape, number of cells, and number of loculae (unilocular or multilocular) were evaluated. Statistical Analysis Used: Descriptive statistics, Chi-square test was done Results: Haller's cells were noted in 190 patients, with a prevalence of 22.09%. Out of these, 66.84% were unilateral and 33.15% were bilateral. The majority of the cells were round and irregular in shape. The unilocular type of Haller's cells occurring unilaterally was statistically significant. Conclusion: The results of the present study revealed that panoramic radiographs can depict and provide a clear delineation of Haller's cells. The description of the Haller cells is useful in the identification of entities and helps in differential diagnosis for patients having intractable orofacial pain. Further studies will be planned to look for such entities in cases of intractable orofacial pain which will help to alter the treatment planning accordingly.

Keywords

• dental imaging
• maxillo-ethmoidal cells
• orbito-ethmoidal cells
• orofacial pain