Objective: to determine the AEA anatomy and variations by computed tomography
(CT) in adult and their relations to and presents new AEA classifications.
Methods: 150 Paranasal CT scans (300 sides) were included. Axial images were
acquired with multiplanar reformates to obtain delicate details in coronal and sagittal
planes.
Results: 144 AEAs canal (48%), 293 AEAs foramen (97.7%) and 229 AEAs sulcus
could be detected (76.3%).
The mean AEA intranasal length was 6.7±1.27 mm (range: 4.24-10.6). The mean
angle between AEA and lamina papyracea was 105.49°±9.28° (range: 76.41°-
129.76°). 95.8% of the AEAs had an angle with lamina >90° while 4.2% had angle
90°
and 12.5% had an angle 6
mm) (2.1%).
The mean distance between the AEA and frontal sinus ostium was 9.17±4.72 mm
(range: 0-25.36). AEA classification according to distance from AEA to frontal sinus
ostium was 17.4% type 1 (15mm).
Conclusion: Provided AEA details improve surgeons' awareness of AEA variations
in the endoscopic field and can help residents in training.