Summary
Introduction: The crista galli is part of the ethmoid bone and thus may suffer from the process
of pneumatization. Pneumatization occurs in between 3% and 14% of patients, resulting
from air cells in the frontal or ethmoid sinuses.
Aim: To describe 3 cases of crista galli pneumatization in which the patients developed
infection and were treated surgically by endoscopic techniques.
Method: We present 3 case studies of patients complaining of severe frontal headaches. The
patients underwent ENT evaluation, examination by video-endoscopy, and computed tomography,
which identified crista galli pneumatization with mucosal thickening and the presence
of fluid. Patients underwent treatment with antibiotics and corticosteroids; however,
they showed no symptomatic improvement, displayed recurrence of symptoms, and maintained
radiographic changes. Thus, patients then underwent drainage through the crista galli
via an endoscopic procedure.
Discussion: During surgery, mucopurulence and/or mucosal thickening and edema were identified
in the pneumatized crista galli. There were no complications during or after surgery.
Postoperatively, headache was improved in patients after a minimum follow-up of 6
months.
Conclusion: Crista galli pneumatization can result in infection, simulating rhinosinusitis. When
there is little response to drug therapy, endoscopic surgical treatment is required;
the current cases demonstrate that this technique is safe and effective.
Keywords
Natural Orifice Endoscopic Surgery - Video-Assisted Surgery - Headache