Evaluation of the Characteristics and Association Between Schneiderian Membrane Thickness and Nasal Septum Deviation

Nasal septum deviation (NSD) is an anomaly that disturbs normal mucus drainage in sinuses, leading to recurrent sinusitis. Sinusitis, infections, and mucosal irritations are the potential causes of Schneiderian membrane thickening (SMT). The aim of this study was to evaluate the characteristics and association between NSD and SMT along with factors such as age, gender, and tooth groups using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging.

The maxillary sinus and nasal cavity of 249 patients (136 females and 113 males) were examined retrospectively using CBCT. The statistical analysis was performed to determine the association between SMT, NSD, gender, and age.

No statistically significant relation was detected between NSD and SMT. The NSD was found in 50.6% of patients without gender predilection. Age was not associated with the presence of NSD. The mean thickness of the membrane was least in the third molar region and highest in the first molar region. The average SMT was found to be higher in males for all the examined tooth areas (P ≤ 0.05).

A retrospective evaluation of CBCT images emphasized the concept that NSD was not a factor that affected the thickening of maxillary sinus mucosa. The CBCT imaging could be used for evaluating the maxillary sinuses and nasal septum.