Historical review of Haller's cells.

BACKGROUND

Albrecht von Haller (1708-1777) discovered the infraorbital ethmoid cells, also known as Haller's cells, in 1743. The aim of this historical study is to trace both the different terminology used to name them from the time they were first described anatomically, and the progressive understanding of the role they play in the development of acute rhinosinusitis, and finally to suggest a clear modern definition of Haller's cells based on this history.

METHODS

A Pubmed search was conducted to find relevant original publications dealing with this subject, and the secondary literature was also reviewed.

RESULTS

Three historical periods can be distinguished in the study of Haller's cells: their initial description in the mid 18th century, followed by a period of obscurity from the mid 18th to the mid 20th century, and finally the modern period starting in the mid 20th century when their clear pathological influence was realized. Haller's cells are thought to contribute to the narrowing of the entrance of the ethmoidal infundibulum and obstruction of the ostium of the maxillary sinus, which could explain the development of rhinosinusitis where inflammation is present.

CONCLUSION

On the basis of its history, we suggest that the term "Haller's cell" should be restricted to the most inferior infraorbital ethmoid cell, that nearest the ostium of the maxillary sinus.