Haller cells

Haller cells, also known as infraorbital ethmoidal air cells, are ethmoid air cells located lateral to the maxillo-ethmoidal suture along the inferomedial orbital floor.

Epidemiology

They are present in ~20% (range 2-45%) of patients, depending on their exact definition .

Clinical presentation

In most instances they are asymptomatic and (although some controversy exists ) they are generally not thought to be associated with increased rates of sinusitis .

They may become clinically significant in a number of situations:

  • become infected, with the potential for extension into the orbit
  • may narrow the ipsilateral ostiomeatal complex (OMC) if large, thereby predisposing the ipsilateral maxillary antrum to obstruction
  • may lead to inadvertent entry into the orbit if unrecognised at endoscopic surgery 

History and etymology

They are named after Albrecht von Haller (1708-1777) , Swiss anatomist and physiologist; he was a qualified medical doctor but was unsuccessful in clinical practice.

See also

Siehe auch:
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