Frequency of Anatomical Variations of Paranasal Sinuses (PNS) In Patients of Chronic Sinusitis as Assessed by Computed Tomography

Abstract

Objective: To determine the frequency of anatomical variations of paranasal sinuses in patients of chronic
sinusitis using computed tomography.
Material and Methods: It was a Cross-sectional study. The study was carried out at the Department of
radiology, Armed Forces Institute of Radiology and Imaging, Rawalpindi from December 2020 to June 2021.
A total of 310 patients of chronic sinusitis, of both genders and age 20-70 years were included. All these
patients underwent Computed Tomography of Paranasal sinuses for detection of any anatomic variation in
middle turbinate and findings were analyzed statistically.
Results: The mean age of the patients was 41.95± 11.24 years. There were 164 (52.9%) males and 146 (47.1%)
females. On computed tomography, paradoxical middle turbinate was found in 69 (22.3%), deviated nasal
septum in 166 (53.5%), middle concha bullosa in 22 (7.1%), superior concha bullosa in 12 (3.9%), haller's cells
in 13 (4.2%), agger nasi cells in 8 (2.6%), maxillary hypoplasia in 3 (1%), septal spur in 12 (3.9%) and Onodi
cells in 5 (1.6%).
Conclusion: The commonest anatomical variation in the paranasal sinuses as assessed on Computed tomography
was deviated nasal septum followed by paradoxical middle turbinate and concha bullosa. Thus, computed
tomography which is a safer and non-invasive imaging modality can help the treating physician about the
cause of chronic sinusitis and also can guide about a better surgical approach.
Keywords: Anatomical variations, Paranasal sinuses, Sinusitis, Computed tomography