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The relationship between anatomic variations of paranasal sinuses and chronic sinusitis in children
Hyun Jun Kim1, Min Jung Cho, Jang-Woo Lee
1Department of Otolaryngology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Korea. entkhj@ajou.ac.kr
Insights
Anatomical variations in children's sinuses are common but not linked to sinusitis. Local, environmental, or systemic factors are more critical in pediatric sinusitis than anatomical differences.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Pediatric Rhinology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Pediatric chronic sinusitis is a growing concern.
- Functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) offers improved quality of life for many children.
- Understanding sinonasal anatomy and variations is crucial for managing pediatric sinusitis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between sinonasal anatomical variations and chronic sinusitis in children.
- To determine the prevalence and distribution of anatomical abnormalities in pediatric sinusitis patients.
Main Methods:
- Computed tomography (CT) scans were used to evaluate 113 children with persistent sinusitis symptoms.
- The study assessed the extent and distribution of sinus disease and associated anatomical variations.
Main Results:
- The maxillary and ethmoid sinuses were most frequently affected.
- Common anatomical variations included agger nasi cells and septal deviation; prevalence of septal deviation increased with age.
- No significant relationship was found between anatomical variations and the severity or presence of sinusitis.
Conclusions:
- Anatomical variations in the pediatric sinonasal region are prevalent.
- Anatomical variations do not appear to be a primary driver of pediatric sinusitis.
- Local, systemic, or environmental factors likely play a more significant role in pediatric sinusitis development.
Conclusions:
Anatomical variations in the nose and paranasal sinuses are common in children. Due to the absence of a definitive relationship between anatomical variations and sinus disease, local, systemic or environmental factors appear to be more significant in pediatric sinusitis than the anatomic variations.
Objective:
Chronic sinusitis is increasing in the pediatric population. Following the initial reports of functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) for children, the majority of patients undergoing this procedure have experienced improved quality of life. Thus, we need to know the precise anatomy and anatomical variations of the nose, as well as the relationship between such anatomy and chronic sinusitis.
Patients And Methods:
To determine the extent and distribution of disease, as well as associated anatomic abnormalities, computed tomography (CT) scans were performed on 113 children with persistent symptoms of sinusitis after failure of medical therapies.
Results:
The maxillary sinus was the most commonly involved sinus, followed by the ethmoid, sphenoid, and frontal sinuses. There was no relationship between age and severity of sinusitis. Agger nasi cell was the most common anatomical variation, followed by septal deviation, Haller cell, concha bullosa, paradoxical middle turbinate, and Onodi cell. The prevalence of septal deviation increased with age. There was no significant relationship between the sinusitis and anatomic variations.
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