Variations of ostiomeatal complex and its applied anatomy: a CT scan study

Abstract

Stenosis of the ostiomeatal complex, from either the anatomical configuration or hypertrophied mucosa can cause obstruction and stagnation of secretions that may then become infected or perpetuate infection. The surgical interventions of the functional endoscopic sinus surgery are designed to remove the ostiomeatal blockage and to restore normal sinus ventilation and mucociliary function. Hence, the present study was taken up to study the variations in the ostiomeatal complex and its clinical significance. For CT analysis coronal sections of 40 paranasal sinus CT films were collected from the department of ENT. Lateral deviation of the uncinate process was more common with equal incidence in both sexes and with higher incidence on right side. Nasal septum was deviated to the right side more commonly with equal incidence in both sexes. Nearly half of the cases showed agger nasi with higher frequency in males. Concha bullosa was the least common ostiomeatal variant with higher incidence in males with equal incidence on both sides. Preoperative planning for FESS requires high resolution computed tomography (CT) to provide detailed maps, which are used for navigation and the visualization of the anatomical variants that result in sinus disease. As a result, it has become imperative for radiologist and clinicians to improve understanding of ostiomeatal unit.