Does Frontal Recess Cell Variation Associate with the Development of Frontal Sinusitis? A Narrative Review

Abstract

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) can have a significant impact on quality of life. With persistent symptoms and the failure of initial medical treatments, surgical management is indicated. Despite the excellent results of endoscopic sinus surgery for persistent CRS, it is quite a challenging procedure for frontal sinusitis given the complex anatomy and location of the frontal sinus. Frontal recess cells significantly contribute to the complexity of the frontal sinus, and numerous studies have sought to establish their association with sinusitis. This review offers a comprehensive understanding of frontal recess cells, their different classifications, their prevalence among different populations, and their relationship to sinusitis. After an extensive review of the current literature, the International Frontal Sinus Anatomy Classification (IFAC) is the most recent classification method and a preferred practical preoperative assessment tool. Although the agger nasi cell is the most prevalent cell among all reported populations, ethnic variations are still influencing the other cells’ distribution. Studies are inconsistent in reporting a relationship between frontal recess cells and sinusitis, and that is mainly because of the differences in the classification methods used. More research using a standardized classification method is needed to understand the association between frontal recess cells and sinusitis.