Rhinologic computed tomographic evaluation in patients with cleft lip and palate

Area of Science:

• Otorhinolaryngology
• Craniofacial Surgery
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Cleft lip and palate (CLP) can cause anatomical variations in the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses.
• These variations may predispose patients to sinusitis, impacting their overall health and surgical outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between nasal and paranasal sinus anatomy and sinusitis in patients with CLP.
• To identify anatomical factors contributing to sinusitis in this patient population.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of computed tomographic (CT) scans from 47 patients with CLP.
• Evaluation of nasal septal deviation, maxillary sinus soft tissue density, cross-sectional area, and floor height.
• Correlation of anatomical findings with the presence and severity of sinusitis.

Main Results:

• Nasal septal deviation was significantly correlated with the cleft side in unilateral CLP.
• Sinusitis was more severe on the non-cleft and concave sides of the nasal septum.
• The maxillary sinus floor was higher on the cleft side, potentially impacting tooth roots.

Conclusions:

• Maxillary sinusitis in CLP patients is associated with the cleft side and nasal septal deviation, not sinus size.
• The cleft side influences septal deviation and maxillary sinus floor height.
• A low-lying sinus floor may be an etiologic factor in CLP-associated sinusitis.