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Concha Bullosa in Paleoanthropological Material
A Gawlikowska-Sroka1, J Szczurowski2, B Kwiatkowska2
1Department of Anatomy, Pomeranian Medical University, 72 Al Powstańców Wlk. Street, 70-111, Szczecin, Poland. gawlikow@pum.edu.pl.
Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology
|September 12, 2016
Summary
Concha bullosa, an enlarged nasal turbinate, was found in 6.3% of 19th-20th century skeletons. This paleopathology finding suggests a potentially lower incidence compared to modern populations.
Area of Science:
- Paleopathology
- Anatomy
- Sinonasal Anatomy
Background:
- Concha bullosa is a common sinonasal anatomical variant involving pneumatized middle nasal turbinates.
- This condition can lead to turbinate enlargement and may predispose individuals to paranasal sinusitis.
- Its presence and implications in paleopathology remain largely unexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of concha bullosa and associated sinonasal pathologies in a historical skeletal population.
- To assess potential links between concha bullosa, middle turbinate hypertrophy, and sinusitis in past populations.
- To compare historical incidence rates with contemporary data.
Main Methods:
- Skeletal analysis of 32 individuals (24 males, 8 females) from Tomersdorf-Toporow (19th-20th century).
- Assessment of gender, age, stress indicators, and pathological signs.
- Computed tomography (CT) scans of skulls to identify concha bullosa and other paranasal complex pathologies.
Main Results:
- Concha bullosa was identified in 2 skulls (6.3% prevalence).
- One case exhibited concomitant septal nasal deviation.
- No other significant paranasal pathologies were noted in relation to concha bullosa.
Conclusions:
- The historical prevalence of concha bullosa may be lower than currently observed in modern populations.
- Further research is needed to determine if concha bullosa is a genuinely rare paleopathology or an underreported finding.
- This study highlights the importance of paleopathological analysis in understanding anatomical variations over time.
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