Clinical and Radiological Significance of Anatomical Variations in Paranasal Sinuses: A Retrospective CT-Based Study

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Radiology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Anatomical variations in paranasal sinuses impact sinus drainage and airflow.
• These variations are implicated as contributing factors in the development of chronic rhinosinusitis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of anatomical variations in paranasal sinuses.
• To investigate the association between these variations and the occurrence of sinusitis using CT findings.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of CT scans from 75 patients (aged 25-70 years).
• Identification and recording of anatomical variations: nasal septal deviation (NSD), concha bullosa, agger nasi cells, Haller cells, and Onodi cells.
• Statistical analysis (chi-squared test, Fisher's exact test) to assess associations (p<0.05 significant).

Main Results:

• Nasal septal deviation (NSD) was the most frequent variation (66.6%).
• Maxillary sinusitis was the most common sinusitis type (80%).
• Significant associations found between specific variations (NSD, concha bullosa, agger nasi cells, Haller cells, Onodi cells) and sinusitis types.

Conclusions:

• Paranasal anatomical variations show a significant correlation with sinusitis.
• Preoperative CT evaluation is vital for guiding management and improving surgical outcomes in functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS).