Role of Haller's cell in headache and sinus disease: a case report.

Abstract

Although anatomic variations in the development of the nose and paranasal sinuses such as the Haller's cell do not themselves represent a disease state, in many cases they are responsible for the patient's symptoms. Particularly in the absence of extensive associated mucosal changes, these conditions may be easily overlooked unless specifically sought. Haller's cells may cause recurrent or chronic sinusitis and persistent sinugenic headache, without significant findings on physical examination including nasal endoscopy. The presence of Haller's cells on coronal CT in a patient with corresponding symptoms deserves consideration as the potential cause of the symptoms. When medical therapy is ineffective, such cases respond well to surgical therapy through the functional endoscopic approach.