Prevalence of Haller's Cells: A Panoramic Study

CONTEXT: Haller's cells or infraorbital ethmoid cells refer to the ethmoidal pneumatization of the superior aspect of the maxillary sinus, and floor of the orbit can be seen on panoramic radiographs. They appear as well-defined, round-, oval-, or teardrop-shaped radiolucencies with smooth corticated or noncorticated borders. AIMS AND OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence and scrutinize the characteristics of Haller's cells on panoramic radiographs. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: The present study is a cross-sectional study carried out in institutional setting. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The study group comprised 300 individuals with an age range of 08–80 years selected by convenient sampling method. Three hundred panoramic radiographs were examined for the presence of Haller's cells under ideal viewing conditions by two radiologists. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: The data collected were tabulated and subjected to statistical analysis using SPSS version 20 for Windows (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA) to obtain the results. Chi-square test was performed, and significance was set at 0.05 levels. RESULTS: Haller's cells were identified in 30/300 individuals giving a prevalence of 10% with 18 Haller's cells in males and 12 in females. Among the 30 Haller's cells, 14 were unilateral and 16 were bilateral. Most of the Haller's cells were oval followed by round shape. CONCLUSION: The overall prevalence of Haller's cells is relatively low and is in harmony with other studies conducted in various geographic populations. Knowledge of Haller's cells while interpreting panoramic radiographs is essential to forewarn surgeons before endonasal procedures, thus preventing any untoward intraoperative complications.