Paranasal and orbital anatomy revisited: identification of the ethmoid arteries on coronal CT scans.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to identify recognizable landmarks on coronal CT (CCT) scans for the localization of the anterior and posterior ethmoid arteries, which are important anatomic structures and surgical landmarks within the ethmoid sinuses.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Four series of plastinated cadaver specimens and 80 CCT examinations were evaluated to identify the anatomical landmarks that define the course of the anterior and posterior ethmoid arteries within the ethmoid sinuses.

RESULTS

The following anatomic landmarks: the indentations into the medial orbital wall, the relationship between the superior oblique and medial rectus orbital muscles, and the lateral ethmoid fovea wall thinning proved to be useful CCT landmarks for the localization of the anterior and posterior ethmoid arteries.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study suggest that familiarity with the above-mentioned landmarks on routine CCT images facilitates the localization of the anterior and posterior ethmoid arteries as they enter the ethmoid sinus.