Evaluation of anatomical variants in paranasal sinuses with computed tomography in central India region

Abstract

Aim: This study aimed to assess the congenital anatomical variations in paranasal sinuses (PNS) and determine the incidence of these variants using helical computed tomography (CT) scan. Materials and Methods: The study included 477 cases in whom unenhanced CT of the brain and PNS was performed in the axial plane, complemented by reconstructed coronal and sagittal sections. These patients were then reviewed for anatomical variants of the PNS and their relation to sinusitis. The results were statistically analyzed by using descriptive and inferential statistics with Chi-square test and predictive values. Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 17.0 and GraphPad Prism 5.0 were used for analysis. Results: Among all the patients studied, deviated nasal septum was noted as the most common anatomical variant in 178 (37.3%) patients followed by concha bullosa in 124 (26%) patients. Other variations found were agger nasi cells in 109 (22.9%), paradoxical middle turbinate in 45 (9.5%), Haller's cells in 47 (9.8%), and Onodi cells in 34 (7.1%) patients. Other uncommon anatomical variants such as hypoplastic frontal sinus and hyperpneumatization of PNS were noted in eight (1.68%) and two (0.42%) patients, respectively. Conclusion: The presence of anatomical variants may predispose to sinus pathology. Radiologists must pay close attention to anatomical variants in the preoperative evaluation, which helps avoid possible complications and improves the success of management strategies.