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Supreme nasal conchae in human cadavers: prevalence, morphometry, and a new classification proposal
Mauro Bezerra Montello1, Sofia Helyeth Ramirez Cardenas2, Themístocles da Silva Negreiros Neto2
1Group of Study and Research in Human Anatomy (NEPAH), Laboratory of Human Anatomy, Department of Morphology, Federal University of Rio Grande Do Norte, Universitary Campus, Av Salgado Filho S/N, Lagoa Nova, Natal, RN, 59078-900, Brazil. mauro.montello@ufrn.br.
Background:
Extranumerary nasal conchae, including the supreme nasal concha (SupNC) and Zuckerkandl's concha (ZC), are uncommon variants relevant to endoscopic sinus and skull base surgery, yet their prevalence and morphometry remain poorly defined. No cadaveric study has simultaneously evaluated prevalence, detailed morphometry, and a data-driven SupNC classification using principal component analysis (PCA). This study determined SupNC prevalence in cadavers and proposed a clinically oriented classification integrating morphological and quantitative parameters.
Material And Methods:
A cross-sectional cadaveric study analyzed 59 hemisections with preserved nasal conchae. Conchae were counted, and SupNCs classified according to Orhan and a new system. Morphometry was obtained using digital calipers and ImageJ.
Results:
Of 59 hemisections, 37 (63%) had three conchae, 21 (35%) four, and 1 (2%) five. SupNC was present in 22/59 (37.3%) and ZC in 1/59 (1.7%), associated with SupNC. Significant differences were found between hemisections with and without extranumerary conchae in middle concha area (3.68 ± 1.07 vs. 4.45 ± 1.20 mm2), superior concha area (1.26 ± 0.40 vs. 0.94 ± 0.36 mm2), length (26.13 ± 4.19 vs. 21.93 ± 3.94 mm), and height (0.72 ± 0.24 vs. 0.45 ± 0.13 mm). Concha number strongly correlated negatively with nasal cavity height (r = -0.83). PCA identified two clusters: Straight (Type I) and Triangular (Type II) SupNCs.
Conclusion:
SupNC was relatively common, whereas ZC was rare. The proposed morphology- and morphometry-based classification may improve preoperative CT evaluation and intraoperative orientation.
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