Agger‐bullar classification (ABC) of the frontal sinus drainage pathway: validation in a preclinical setting

Abstract

This preclinical study demonstrates the potential of the ABC system. Although the ABC may improve preoperative anatomical assessment of the frontoethmoidal area, validation in a clinical setting is required.

Computed tomography analysis of frontal cell prevalence according to the International Frontal Sinus Anatomy Classification

“…For these reasons, endoscopic surgical approaches to this region must be well planned and precisely executed. A number of classification systems have been proposed to describe the varied cells in this region and to better characterize the frontal sinus outflow path . Although such naming conventions have improved our ability to describe frontal recess anatomy, many of these naming systems are limited by inherent inconsistencies, subjective interobserver variations, or insufficient anatomic detail.…”

The Terracol and Ardouin developmental model of frontal sinus drainage pathway and surrounding spaces: a radiologic validation

“…). Consequently, Terracol and Ardouin's model is an additional available tool to better understand the frontoethmoidal anatomy that should be integrated with meticulous preoperative images study, surgical‐oriented anatomical classification (ABC and IFAC), and navigation‐aided dissection …”

“…A multiplanar reconstruction for all CBCT was obtained for anatomical study. According to the agger‐bullar classification (ABC), the FSDP was classified as medial or lateral with respect to the upper insertion of the UP. The following anatomical variants of the modified Bent and Kuhn classification, updated according to the IFAC, were searched for: • Agger nasi cell (ANC): defined as the most anterior cell that could be seen in a coronal section, anterior to the middle turbinate insertion.…”

“…In the attempt to simplify the anatomical complexity of the frontoethmoidal area, several classifications were developed, and a surgical‐oriented classification of air spaces surrounding the frontal sinus drainage pathway (FSDP) was recently published by our group . Moreover, the nomenclature of the frontoethmoidal anatomy has been recently revised in the International Frontal Sinus Anatomy Classification (IFAC) .…”

An additional challenge for head and neck radiologists: anatomic variants posing a surgical risk – a pictorial review

“…The anatomy of the frontal sinus is largely conditioned by the degree of pneumatization of surrounding air cells (mostly agger nasi cells) and by the cranial attachment of the uncinate process [6]. Some configurations (i.e., supraorbital ethmoid air cell and deep olfactory fossa) significantly influence the complexity of the procedure and may increase the relative risk of complications.…”