Anatomical variation of middle concha and its clinical correlates: a study among patients attending North Bengal Medical College

Abstract

Background and aims: Lateral nasal wall of each nasal cavity provides the final common pathway of drainage of the muco-ciliary clearance of frontal, maxillary and anterior ethmoidal air cells. Anatomical variant like Concha Bullosa may obstruct the mucociliary clearance through osteomeatal complex and cause rhino sinusitis. The objectives were to find out the anatomical variation of middle concha and its clinical correlates with variation of middle concha. Methods: The present study was a descriptive, hospital based cross sectional study carried out in the outpatient departments of North Bengal Medical College & Hospital among 15 years and above patients. Coronal CT scan of paranasal sinus and orbit region was done. Data was collected with the help of semi structured predesigned and pretested questionnaire. Results: Of the 44 study patients, 15.9% had Concha Bullosa, 11.36% had paradoxical middle concha. Dimensions of right and left concha were also studied. 77.3%, 59.1% and 47.7% had sneezing, rhinorrhoea and headache respectively. Conclusion: The harmony of mucociliary clearance and obstruction free osteomeatal complex is the key factor for ventilation and drainage of maxillary, frontal and anterior ethmoidal air cells.