Relationship Between the Presence of Agger Nasi Cells and the Development of Frontal Sinusitis: a Computer-Assisted Anatomic Study

Abstract

Objective:To use computed tomography (CT) to determine the relationship between agger nasi (AN) cells and the development of frontal sinusitis.Methods:In total, 996 patients (402 females and 594 males; average age, 37.2±12.8 years; range, 18-75 years) underwent a CT scan due to frontal sinusitis. The presence of AN cells was recorded. Patients were divided two groups according to the presence of the AN cell. The Lund– Mackay score (LMS) of each paranasal sinus shadow was evaluated in all patients. The LMS in the groups were compared. A p-value of <0.05 was considered to reflect statistical significance.Results:In the right side, the average LMS of patients with AN cells was 3.5±2.6 and was 2.3±2.1 for those without AN cells. The LMS of patients with AN cells was significantly better than that for those without AN cells for the right side (p<0.05). In the left side, the average LMS of patients with AN cells was 3.7±2.9 and was 21±2.2 for those without AN cells. The LMS of patients with AN cells was significantly better than that for those without AN cells for the left side (p<0.05).Conclusion:In the present study, the presence of AN cells may be associated with the development of frontal sinusitis. Further studies with a higher number of patients are needed to explore the relationship between the pneumatization of AN cells and the development of frontal sinusitis.

Keywords

• Agger nasi cells
• frontal sinusitis
• frontal recess