Assessment of the superior turbinate pneumatization and concomitant nasal pathologies on computed tomography

Meltem Özdemir; Rasime Pelin Kavak

doi:10.28982/josam.580187

Authors

Meltem Özdemir https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7388-2871
Rasime Pelin Kavak https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9782-0029

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.28982/josam.580187

Keywords:

Paranasal sinuses, Anatomical variation, Pneumatized turbinate, Computed tomography

Abstract

Aim: Knowledge of the anatomical variations of the nasal cavity is extremely important for the safety and ease of endoscopic sinus surgery applications. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the incidence and uni/bilaterality of superior nasal turbinate pneumatization (STP). In addition, we aimed to investigate the frequency of middle turbinate pneumatization (MTP), nasal septum deviation (NSD) and paradoxical middle concha (PMC), and to relate the presence of these pathologies to the presence of STP.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the images of 358 consecutive patients who undertaken paranasal sinus computed tomography within five months’ time in our institution. The presence and uni/bilaterality of the STP and MTP as well as the presence of NSD and PMC were noted. The relation of the STP with MTP, NSD and PMC were evaluated. Besides, the relationship between nasal variations and gender and age was evaluated.

Results: Of 358 patients, 105 (29.3%) had STP with 51 (48.6%) being bilateral and the remaining 54 (51.4%) being unilateral. The number of patients with accompanying MTP, NSD and PMC were 84 (80%), 63 (60%) and 32 (30.5%), respectively. No significant relationship between STP with NSD or PMC was recorded. However, STP significantly associated with MTP. We also noted that the patients with either STP or MTP were significantly younger than those without STP or MTP.

Conclusion: The knowledge of the variations of the structures that determine the nasal cavity anatomy and how often these variations are seen will enable the endoscopic surgical procedures to be performed easily and safely.

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