Analysis of inferior nasal turbinate width and concha bullosa in subjects with nasal septum deviation: a cone beam tomography study

Abstract

Background In individuals with nasal septal deviation (NSD), compensatory hypertrophy of the nasal turbinates occurs as a protective mechanism of the nasal passage from dry and cold air. NSD associated nasal turbinate hypertrophy is usually recurrent, requiring repetitive imaging. Therefore, a multiplanar imaging modality with a low radiation dose is best suited for long-term follow-up of this condition. This study aimed to evaluate the association of width of inferior turbinates and presence of concha bullosa with the degree of NSD using Cone beam computed tomography (CT). Methods The CBCT scans of 100 patients with NSD were selected as per convenience sampling and were evaluated by two maxillofacial radiologists. The width of the non-hypertrophied inferior turbinate (NHT) on the convex side of the NSD, and hypertrophic inferior turbinates (HT) on the concave side of the NSD were measured at three locations. The septal deviation angle (SDA) and the presence of concha bullosa (CB) were determined. Results A significant difference was observed in the anterior, middle, posterior, and mean widths between HT and NHT (p < 0.001). There was a significant difference in the widths of the HT and NHT among different types of NSD. A strong positive correlation (r = 0.71, p < 0.001) was found between SDA and the mean width of the HT. Age (P = 0.71) and gender (P = 0.65) had no significant difference among different types of NSD. Regression analysis revealed that the presence of CB (p = 0.01) and middle width of the HT (p < 0.001) are significant predictors of SDA and type of NSD. Conclusion The results of the present study reveal that the middle width of the HT and the presence of CB influence the degree of NSD. The present study results recommend the use of CBCT as a substitutive low radiation dose imaging modality for evaluation of NSD, CB, and associated inferior turbinate hypertrophy.

A study on the association between the inferior nasal turbinate volume and the maxillary sinus mucosal lining using cone beam tomography

“…Based on this information it can be hypothesized that the morphological changes of the ITH may be associated with morphological changes in the mucosal lining of the maxillary sinuses. Recent studies used Cone Beam Computed tomography (CBCT), to study the thickness of the sinus mucosa and the thickness of inferior turbinates [ 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 ]. Furthermore, studies also reported that the volumes of the inferior turbinate (IT) and the status of the maxillary sinus are important indicators for physicians to evaluate the sino-nasal diseases [ 11 , 12 ].…”

Analysis of inferior nasal turbinate volume in subjects with nasal septum deviation: a retrospective cone beam tomography study

“…CBCT scans in Group 1 and 2 had no evidence on NSD when viewed from the coronal section of CBCT at the point of crista galli. In CBCT scans of Group 3 the septal deviation angle was determined by the method used by Shetty et al (2021) and Al-Rawi et al (2019) ( Fig. 1 ).…”

The use of CBCT in orthodontics with special focus on upper airway analysis in patients with sleep-disordered breathing

“… 88 CBCT imaging may be indicated in cases of concomitant sinus pathologies or concerning masses, 89 and when nasal endoscopy is contraindicated, unavailable, or when the patient is uncooperative. 90 CBCT can be used to measure the hypertrophy of nasal turbinates, 91 and specific methods have been developed for turbinates grading in patients with cleft lip and palate. 92 Since turbinate hypertrophy is often a compensatory reaction to protect the nasal passage from cold and dry air in the presence of nasal septum abnormalities, 91 orthodontic intervention with RME may be beneficial.…”

“… 90 CBCT can be used to measure the hypertrophy of nasal turbinates, 91 and specific methods have been developed for turbinates grading in patients with cleft lip and palate. 92 Since turbinate hypertrophy is often a compensatory reaction to protect the nasal passage from cold and dry air in the presence of nasal septum abnormalities, 91 orthodontic intervention with RME may be beneficial.…”