Nasal septal deviation: A comparison of clinical and radiological evaluation

Abstract

Nasal septal deviation is a common anatomic finding that may cause a subjective complaint of nasal obstruction. Adequate visualization of the nasal septum and assessment of septal deviations can be accomplished by using anterior rhinoscopy and fiberoptic nasal endoscopy. Radiologic evaluation of the septum in clinical practice is not necessary. However, a septal deviation is often present in the context of chronic rhinosinusitis, which warrants computed tomography (CT) scanning of the paranasal sinuses. The appearance of the septum radiographically may differ from the physician's assessment on physical examination. To more specifically analyze this situation, we conducted a prospective study comparing the findings on anterior rhinoscopy and nasal endoscopy with the evaluation of the nasal septum on a standard coronal paranasal sinus CT scan.