Nasal Septal Deviation and Its Association With Maxillary Sinus Volume and Sinusitis: A Computed Tomography Study

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Radiology
• Anatomy

Background:

• Nasal septal deviation (NSD) is a common condition affecting nasal airflow.
• Maxillary sinuses are the largest paranasal sinuses, and their volume can be influenced by surrounding structures.
• The relationship between NSD and maxillary sinus volume/sinusitis remains an area of clinical interest.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effect of nasal septal deviation on maxillary sinus volume.
• To determine if NSD is associated with an increased incidence of maxillary sinusitis.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of paranasal sinus CT scans from 470 adult patients with sinonasal symptoms.
• Exclusion criteria included prior maxillofacial surgery, trauma, or facial masses.
• Nasal septum deviation was categorized as right-sided, left-sided, or straight, with deviation direction defined by the convex portion.

Main Results:

• A statistically significant association was found between NSD and gender (P=0.036).
• Right-sided and left-sided septal deviations were significantly associated with altered maxillary sinus volumes (P=0.009 and P=0.003, respectively).
• No significant association was observed between NSD and the presence of maxillary sinusitis (P>0.05).

Conclusions:

• Nasal septal deviation influences the development and volume of the maxillary sinuses.
• Despite affecting sinus volume, NSD is not correlated with the occurrence of maxillary sinusitis.