Paranasal sinus variants

Abstract

Normal variations of the the paranasal sinuses tend to be overlooked but can have pathological consequences, making identification important.

Association of nasal blockage and prevalence of anatomical variants on CT scan of nose and paranasal sinuses

“…Nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses together configurate a single anatomical and functional unit. 1,2,7,9,[15][16][17]20,21 This region is subject to a large number of anatomical variations and a variety of lesions. 1,2,[7][8][9]12,[15][16][17]20,21 The potential role of anatomical variations of paranasal sinus region is mainly predisposed to nasal blockage and recurrent sinusitis.…”

“…1,2,7,9,[15][16][17]20,21 This region is subject to a large number of anatomical variations and a variety of lesions. 1,2,[7][8][9]12,[15][16][17]20,21 The potential role of anatomical variations of paranasal sinus region is mainly predisposed to nasal blockage and recurrent sinusitis. 1,2,[4][5][6][7]9 Also, these variants may determine contact points between nasal structures leading to headache and other symptoms.…”

“…It may have septations and therefore, multiple cells within it. [1][2][3][5][6][7][8][9][10]14,21 It can block the roof and impede the air flow leading to nasal blockage and other symptoms like headache. In our study, Concha bullosa accounts for 13% out of which 11% were unilateral: 6% were towards right and 5% were 22,23 The middle turbinate may show sharp bend laterally instead of its usual smooth medial curvature.…”

“…In our study, Concha bullosa accounts for 13% out of which 11% were unilateral: 6% were towards right and 5% were 22,23 The middle turbinate may show sharp bend laterally instead of its usual smooth medial curvature. 2,[7][8][9]11,[15][16][17]21 It can block the infundibulum. It may compromise ventilation and drainage of secretions to produce chronic infection of paranasal sinuses.…”

“…Hence, computed tomography has become a very important diagnostic tool to assess chronic nasal blockage and headache. [4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17] A simple septoplasty or turbinectomy may drastically improve the quality of a patient's life. 18.19 But sometimes, even after turbinate reduction, there is no significant improvement in patient's symptoms due to associated physiological causes.…”