Role of computed tomography in evaluation of congenital anatomical variations in paranasal sinuses

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Objective: To study the diagnostic accuracy and efficacy of CT scan in evaluation congenital anatomical variations of paranasal sinuses and to compare congenital anatomical variations of paranasal sinuses in male and female. Material and Methods: Over a period of 18months, 80 patients referred for CT scan of PNS region were evaluated for the presence of normal variants of the paranasal region on GE single slice spiral CT machine Results: 80 patients who fulfilled inclusion criteria were studied, out of which 48 were male and 32 were female, majority patients were in the age group of 11-20yrs [32 (40%)] Deviated nasal septum was the most common variation in 72(90%) followed by concha bullosa in 31 (38.75%) patients. Other variations found were curved uncinate process in 16 (20%), hypoplastic frontal sinus in 14 (17.5%), overpneumatized ethmoidal bulla or giant bulla 13 (16.25%), Paradoxical middle turbinate in 12 (15%), prominent Agger Nasi cells in 11 (13.75%), superior concha bullosa in 07 (8.75%), ariated cristagali in 07(8.75%), haller cells in 05 (6.25%), onodi cells in 03 (3.75%), and pneumatization of uncinate process in 03 (3.75%) patients Conclusion: Computed Tomography of the paranasal sinus has improved the visualization of paranasal sinus anatomy and has allowed greater accuracy in evaluating paranasal sinus disease. It evaluates the osteomeatal complex anatomy which is not possible with plain radiographs.