The ostiomeatal unit and endoscopic surgery: anatomy, variations, and imaging findings in inflammatory diseases

Recent and ongoing advances made in endoscopic surgical techniques require the radiologist to understand the anatomy and pathophysiology of the paranasal sinuses and nasal passage. Endoscopy and CT are complementary procedures, and, as such, the normal anatomic relationships and their CT appearances need to be well understood in order for radiologists to offer continued support as consultants to their clinical colleagues. In this article, we review the pertinent anatomy of the lateral nasal wall and paranasal sinuses, discuss the most frequently encountered normal variations that may predispose a patient to inflammatory sinus disease, outline imaging protocols for evaluation of this region, and introduce the reader to current endoscopic surgical techniques. Last, the imaging findings in various inflammatory processes involving the sinuses, as well as the local and regional complications associated with paranasal sinus inflammatory diseases, are presented.