Role of Superior Turbinate Pneumatisation in Chronic Rhinosinusitis

The study was designed (1) to study the prevalence of pneumatisation of the superior turbinate in patients undergoing FESS, (2) to evaluate the role of superior turbinate pneumatisation in sinusitis involving the posterior sinuses. The study involved 50 patients being evaluated for FESS. Pre-operative CT scans were done and reviewed by a single observer with specific attention to superior turbinates. Record was also made for opacification/mucosal thickness of the sinuses. Each side of nasal cavity was examined separately. Therefore 50 patients had 100 sides. Of the 100 sides, superior turbinate was identified in 70 sides on CT scan. Of the 70 sides having an identifiable superior turbinate, 18.6 % i.e. thirteen sides had turbinates which were pneumatised. Pneumatised superior turbinates were seen in higher percentage in patients with diseased posterior sinuses. Pneumatised superior turbinate may contribute to posterior sinus disease and mandates attention during FESS.