The Impact of Nasal Septum Deviation on Paranasal Sinus Volumes

Abstract

Objective: This study examined the impact of nasal septum deviation on the volumes of four pairs of paranasal sinuses: sinus frontalis, sinus maxillaris, sinus sphenoidalis, and cellulae ethmoidales. These cavities are formed by the invagination of the nasal mucosa into bones and vary greatly in shape and size. Their location is crucial in the pathogenesis of regional diseases, and anatomical variations are frequently observed in humans. Computed Tomography imaging provides excellent soft tissue differentiation, which is essential for diagnosing sinonasal disorders. Cavalieri’s principle enables rapid and accurate measurement of sinus volumes using sectional images. The aim of our study was to retrospectively examine the impact of nasal septum deviation on paranasal sinus volumes in relation to age and gender. Material and Method: The study reviewed computed tomography images of participants who visited Tokat Gaziosmanpaşa University Hospital using The Picture Archiving and Communication System. A total of 281 participants, comprising 151 women and 130 men, were included in the study. The participants were divided into four age groups: 0–17, 18–45, 46–65, and over 65. The computed tomography images related to the paranasal sinuses were listed, and the interior of the volume to be measured was colored using ImageJ software. The volume of each sinus was calculated using Cavalieri’s principle. Results: Upon examination of all sinuses, it was observed that men had larger sinus volumes than women (p0.05). Conclusion: Quantitatively measuring the volumes of paranasal sinuses in a short period and determining their relationship with nasal septum deviation will facilitate surgical planning in the future. It may provide some advantages for surgeons.