Investigation of nasal cavity alterations in individuals with neurofibromatosis type 1 using CBCT

This study aimed to investigate nasal septum deviation (NSD), nasal bone length (NBL), and the morphology of the middle nasal conchae (MNC) and inferior nasal conchae (INC), as well as their correlations.

The sample included 56 cone-beam computed tomography scans divided into two groups: a study group (SG; individuals with NF1; n = 28) and a control group (CG; individuals without NF1; n = 28). NSD, NBL, MNC, and INC classifications were assessed. MNC images were classified as normal, bullous, paradoxical, secondary, and accessory. INC images were classified as normal, lamellar, compact, combined, and bullous. Intra- and interobserver reliability were evaluated.

SG had a mean NSD of 11.6° (±4.5°) compared with 9.6° (±3.2°) for the CG, showing moderate deviations with no significant difference between groups. SG had a mean NBL of 22.4 mm (±3.4 mm) compared with 22.1 mm (±3.2 mm) for the CG, with a statistically significant difference. Both groups exhibited normal, bullosa, and accessory MNC classifications. SG INC were normal, lamellar, and combined, whereas CG INC were normal and lamellar. There was a weak correlation between NSD and NBL across groups.

Individuals with NF1 showed longer NBL. The weak correlation between NSD and NBL suggested multifactorial influences on these variations. These findings advance our understanding of craniofacial development in NF1 and highlight the need for further research into nasal cavity involvement in this complex genetic disorder.