Abstract:
Many historical references to the paranasal sinuses exist. The earliest such references can be dated back to the works of Galen, who described the presence of the ethmoid air cells. Later descriptions of the maxillary sinuses by Leonardo da Vinci (1489) , the sphenoid sinuses by Giacomo Berengario da Capri(1521),and the frontal sinuses by Coiter(16th century) introduced early anatomists and scholars to the presence of these craniofacial air cells
The first modern and accurate descriptions of the paranasal sinuses can be traced to the works of the late 19th century Austrian anatomist Emil Zuckerkandl. His detailed study and illustrations of the paranasal sinuses set the standard for generations of anatomists and physicians. Countless 19th and 20th century anatomists, radiologists and surgeons have further contributed to advancing the knowledge of sinus anatomy.
The introduction of computed tomography (CT) and the wider use of it in the last 20 years have further contributed to the physician’s ability to appreciate nuances of paranasal sinus anatomy and accurate disease correlation.
The introduction of head and neck CT imaging and the current wider use of this modality have undoubtedly helped the clinician. CT has become a useful diagnostic modality in the evaluation of the paranasal sinuses and an integral part of surgical planning. It is also used to create intraoperative road maps. Today, CT.is the radiologic examination of choice in evaluating the paranasal sinuses of patient with sinusitis
