Could there be an association between ethmoid anatomical variations and chronic rhinosinusitis? A clinicoradiological study

Abstract

Background The complicated anatomy of the ethmoid bone is associated with multiple anatomical variations. These anatomical variations may have clinical significance in pathogenesis of rhinosinusitis, which is still unclear, and in the surgical workup to avoid the risk of potential complications. Aim The aim of this study was to evaluate the rate of the different ethmoid anatomical variants in the patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) and to assess if there is any correlation between these variants and CRS. Patients and methods This case–control study included 40 patients with CRS (study group) and 20 healthy individuals with no criteria of CRS (control group). Anatomical variations of ethmoid complex were evaluated as either being present or absent in each side in both groups. In the study group, Lund-Mackay scores of the different sinuses were evaluated and compared in relation to the detected ethmoid variants. Results No statistically significant difference was found between the rate of different ethmoidal anatomical variations in the study and control groups. There was also no significant difference in the Lund-Mackay scores of the different sinuses in relation to the presence of anatomic variations. The most common ethmoidal anatomical variation in both groups was agger nasi cell. Conclusion This study showed that there is no significant association between ethmoidal anatomical variations and CRS, and so, these anatomical variations are not a potential risk factor for chronicity of sinusitis.