Sinonasal Anatomical Variations: A Multidetector Computed Tomographic Study

The paranasal sinuses are known for their complex anatomy and significant difference in size and shape. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of anatomical variations of the paranasal sinuses in computed tomography (CT).

In this cross-sectional study, patients over 18 years of age, who had undergone CT imaging in a private clinic, were screened for eligibility of participation. After excluding the patients with evident sinus pathology in CT, 501 cases were included. An experienced maxillofacial radiologist evaluated the CT images and extracted the frequency of variations using a standardized data collection sheet. Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, independent samples t-test, and chi-square test were used for the statistical analysis.

Among the studied variations, septal deviation and Agger nasi, each with 336 cases (67.1%), and concha bullosa, with 240 cases (47.9%), were identified as the most common anatomical variations of the paranasal sinuses. The uncinate bulla showed a significant correlation with gender (P=0.036).

Considering the remarkable prevalence of some important variations, which may increase the risk of complications in sinus surgery, CT evaluation of patients is recommended before surgical interventions in the sinuses.