Is Ethmoidal Air Cell Count Relevant in Chronic Rhinosinusitis

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS Studies analyzing the association between the total number of ethmoid cells (EC) and chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) are missing. Our aim was to analyze the total number of EC in patients with and without CRS. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective case-control study. METHODS A total of 50 computed tomography (CT) scans of patients with CRS, 14 CT scans of patients with odontogenic CRS, and 50 CT scans of healthy controls were retrospectively analyzed. The number of EC has been determined for each side separately. RESULTS In total 228 sides have been analyzed. The bilateral total EC count in both planes was more than 2 cells higher, when comparing CRS patients to healthy controls or odontogenic CRS patients (P < .01). No difference was observed, when comparing healthy and odontogenic CRS patients. CONCLUSION The number of EC on CT of CRS patients is significantly higher than in both, the healthy and the odontogenic CRS control group. Cell count could contribute to the pathogenesis of CRS. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 4. Laryngoscope, 2020.