Anatomic variations of the nose and paranasal sinuses in saudi population: computed tomography scan analysis

Nada Alshaikh,Amirah Aldhurais

doi:10.4103/1012-5574.244904

Nada Alshaikh, Amirah Aldhurais

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.4103/1012-5574.244904

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Abstract

BackgroundKnowledge of the anatomy constitutes an integral part in the total management of patients with sinonasal diseases. The aim of this study was to obtain the prevalence of sinonasal anatomic variations in Saudi population and to understand their importance and impact on the disease process, as well as their influence on surgical management and outcome.Materials and methodsThis study is prospective review of retrospectively performed normal computed tomography (CT) scans of the nose and paranasal sinuses in adult Saudi population at Dammam Medical Complex. The scans were reviewed by two independent observers.ResultsOf all CT scans that were reviewed, 48.4% were of female patients and 51.6% were of male patients. The mean age of the study sample was 38.5±26.5 years. The most common anatomic variation after excluding agger nasi cell was pneumatized crista galli, which was seen in 73% of the scans. However, the least common variation seen in this series was hypoplasia of the maxillary sinus, which was encountered in 5% of the cases. We did not detect a single pneumatized inferior turbinate among the studied scans.ConclusionA wide range of regional differences in the prevalence of each anatomic variation exists. Understanding the preoperative CT scan is substantially important because it is the road map for the sinus surgeon. Detection of anatomic variations is vital for surgical planning and prevention of complications.

Highlights

The superiority of computed tomography (CT) scan compared with conventional radiography has unquestionable importance for the evaluation of anatomic structure and pathology [1].Nowadays, both radiologists and otolaryngologists depend on CT scan as the radiological modality of choice for the evaluation of the nose and paranasal sinuses [2].CT scan has the ability to detect fine bone architecture of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses, the mucosa, and the air, making it a preferred tool for imaging [3]
It is essential to perform CT scan of the paranasal sinuses before attempting sinonasal surgery, to avoid potential complications resulting from unrecognized important anatomical landmarks and significant anatomic variations [5]
A total of 942 consecutive CT scans of the paranasal sinuses were reviewed over a period of 5 years, of which 623 were excluded

Summary

Introduction

The superiority of computed tomography (CT) scan compared with conventional radiography has unquestionable importance for the evaluation of anatomic structure and pathology [1].Nowadays, both radiologists and otolaryngologists depend on CT scan as the radiological modality of choice for the evaluation of the nose and paranasal sinuses [2].CT scan has the ability to detect fine bone architecture of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses, the mucosa, and the air, making it a preferred tool for imaging [3]. The superiority of computed tomography (CT) scan compared with conventional radiography has unquestionable importance for the evaluation of anatomic structure and pathology [1]. Nowadays, both radiologists and otolaryngologists depend on CT scan as the radiological modality of choice for the evaluation of the nose and paranasal sinuses [2]. The aim of this study was to obtain the prevalence of sinonasal anatomic variations in Saudi population and to understand their importance and impact on the disease process, as well as their influence on surgical management and outcome.

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