The Relationship Between Nasal Septal Deviation and Paranasal Pneumatization

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Anatomy
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Nasal septal deviation (NSD) is a common condition.
• Paranasal sinus pneumatization is crucial for sinus function and development.
• The relationship between NSD and paranasal sinus pneumatization requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the impact of NSD presence and severity on paranasal sinus pneumatization.
• To compare pneumatization between deviated and contralateral sides.
• To analyze the influence of NSD severity on specific sinus structures.

Main Methods:

• CT scans were used to evaluate paranasal sinus pneumatization.
• Patients were classified into mild, moderate, and severe NSD groups.
• Pneumatization of sinuses, OMC, and FER were compared across groups and sides.

Main Results:

• No significant difference in overall paranasal sinus pneumatization between sides.
• Significant differences in OMC and FER diameters were observed.
• Ethmoid sinus volume, FER, and OMC diameters varied significantly with NSD severity on the deviated side.

Conclusions:

• NSD severity affects ethmoid sinus volume, FER, and OMC.
• The relationship between NSD and FER/OMC is evident but not always proportional.
• Paranasal pneumatization, Keros type, and canal integrity are not significantly affected by NSD.