Do altitude and climate affect paranasal sinus volume?

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Radiology
• Environmental Medicine

Background:

• Paranasal sinus (PNS) anatomy and variations can be influenced by environmental factors.
• Previous research has explored nasal cavity changes related to climate, but PNS volumes remain understudied in this context.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effect of differing climates and altitudes on paranasal sinus volumes and anatomical variations.
• To compare PNS tomograms of individuals from high-altitude, cold, dry regions with those from sea-level, temperate coastal areas.
• To identify any gender-related differences in PNS dimensions.

Main Methods:

• Prospective comparison of paranasal sinus tomograms (PNSCT) from 55 patients in Antalya (temperate, sea-level) and 60 patients in Ağrı (cold, high-altitude).
• Analysis included evaluation of maxillary, sphenoid, and frontal sinus volumes, as well as the prevalence of septum deviation and concha bullosa.
• A total of 115 patients (mean age 44.75 ± 9.64 years) were included, with gender distribution noted for each group.

Main Results:

• No statistically significant differences in maxillary, sphenoid, or frontal sinus volumes were found between the high-altitude/cold climate group and the sea-level/temperate climate group.
• Maxillary and frontal sinus volumes were significantly larger in males compared to females (p < 0.025).
• No significant differences were observed in the rates of septum deviation or concha bullosa between the two climate/altitude groups.

Conclusions:

• This study is the first to quantify paranasal sinus volumes across different climatic and altitudinal conditions.
• Environmental factors such as climate and altitude do not appear to influence the volumes of the maxillary, frontal, and sphenoid sinuses.
• Gender is a significant factor, with males generally exhibiting larger maxillary and frontal sinus volumes.