Cribriform Plate Anatomical Variations: A Computed Tomography Study

Abstract

Introduction: knowledge of anatomy and anatomical variations of the ethmoid bone, particularly the cribriform plate, is of great importance for otolaryngologists and neurosurgeons, as one of the complications that can occur during surgery of the nasal cavity or anterior cranial fossa is cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) fistula or nasal liquorrhea, resulting from perforation of the cribriform plate. We aimed to analyze the anatomical variations of the cribriform plate using computed tomography images of the skull. Materials and Methods: one hundred and Twenty-five exam images were analyzed, of which 50 were from men and 75 from women. The evaluated parameters were the symmetry of the cribriform plate and the horizontal, oblique, or vertical layout of the lamellae. Results: the cribriform plate was shown to be asymmetrical in 82% of men and 20% of women (p<0.0001). Regarding the asymmetry of the cribriform plate, 98% of men had a higher left lamina, while 73% of women had this same pattern (p=0.02). The vertical positioning of the lamella was the most frequent finding in both men and women (48% and 44%, respectively). Conclusions: Women have a more symmetrical arrangement of the cribriform plate. When there is asymmetry, the left portion is higher in both genders. The vertical arrangement of the lamellae is the most common finding between both genders.