Normal anatomic variants of paranasal sinus region studied by computed tomography

Abstract

Background and objective: Variation in paranasal sinus anatomy, as shown on computed tomographic scans, is of potential significance as it may pose risks during surgery or predispose to certain pathologic conditions. This study aimed to investigate the frequency of anatomic variants of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses in our population and determine their relationship with gender and find out the association of these variants with mucosal abnormalities. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted at the College of Medicine, Hawler Medical University from October 2017 to January 2019. A review of computed tomography scans of the paranasal sinuses of 300 patients was done; special attention was directed toward identifying bony anatomic variants and mucosal abnormalities. Results: Frequent variants were: Agger nasi cells (72%), nasal septal deviation (71.7%), Haller cells (70.7%), concha bullosa (61%), elongation of uncinate process (69.7%) and different variants of the sphenoidal sinus (78.8%). The frequency of variants did not differ significantly with respect to gender, except for sphenoidal variants along with Keros types and asymmetry of the ethmoidal roof. A significant association was found between middle concha variants and inferior turbinate enlargement (P <0.001). Conclusion: Anatomic variants of the paranasal sinus region were common in our population; the most frequent ones were those involving the nasal septum, ethmoid air cells, sphenoid sinuses, and middle turbinates. The study of these variants is important for the management of paranasal sinus region disease.

Coincidence of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps and neurofibroma

“…Variation in paranasal sinus anatomy, as shown on CT-Scan is potential significance as it may contributing risks during surgery, or predispose to certain pathologic conditions. 6 The most common anatomical variation was agger nasi 91.23%, followed by abnormal uncinate process 75.44%. 7 Medial deviation was the most frequent variation of uncinate process observed, 8 and variations of bullous middle turbinate in 30.2%.…”

Human Maxillary Sinus Development, Pneumatization, Anatomy, Blood Supply, Innervation and Functional Theories: An Update Review

“…These observations, combined with NO's well-known bacteriostatic properties, imply that NO plays a role in maintaining sterility inside the individual paranasal sinuses. 30 Theories concerning the functions of the paranasal sinuses:-Several functional theories that tried to explain the existence of paranasal sinuses have met with varying levels of acceptance among researchers: [31][32][33] 1. Increasing resonance of the voice.…”