Correlation between the Minimal Cross-Sectional Area of the Nasal Cavity and Body Surface Area: Preliminary Results in Normal Patients

Abstract

Nasal symptoms often are inconsistent with rhinoscopic findings. However, the proper diagnosis and treatment of nasal pathology requires an objective evaluation of the narrow segments of the anterior part of the nasal cavities (minimal cross-sectional area [MCSA]). The problem is that the value of MCSA is not a unique parameterfor the entire population, but rather it is a distinctive valuefor particular subject (or smaller groups of subjects). Consequently, there is a need for MCSA values to be standardized in a simple way that facilitates the comparison of results and the selection of our treatment regimens. We examined a group of 157 healthy subjects with normal nasal function. A statistically significant correlation was found between the body surface area and MCSA at the level of the nasal isthmus and the head of the inferior turbinate. The age of subjects was not found a statistically significant predictor for the value of MCSA. The results show that the expected value of MCSA can be calculated for every subject based on anthropometric data of height and weight.

A systematic review of the nasal index and the significance of the shape and size of the nose in rhinology

“…Jurlina et al. reasoned that as body surface area (BSA) was proportional to the metabolic rate, which is related to oxygen consumption and thus ventilation, the BSA would have a linear correlation with the MCA 41 . They demonstrated a positive correlation between these two parameters but concluded that further studies were required to validate this correlation.…”

Changes in Nasal Cavity Dimensions in Children and Adults by Gender and Age

“…On the other hand, Numminen et al demonstrated a lack of correlation between the body mass index and AR parameters, 11 whereas Jurlina et al found correlation between the minimal cross-sectional area and the body surface area. 12 Ma at al. found that both volume and minimal cross-sectional area were greater after age 60 years.…”

Measurements of nasal airflow and patency: a critical review with emphasis on the use of peak nasal inspiratory flow in daily practice

“…Normal values for MCA in adults are reported to be between 1.32 and 1.51 cm 2 (SD 0.3). In normal controls, a statistically significant correlation was found between the body surface area and MCA, ranging from 1.01 (SD 0.09) with a body surface area (BSA) of 0.9 m2 (equivalent to a child age 6‐7) to normal adults values with a BSA of 1.8 m2 . MCA equals to 0.50 cm 2 , and a cross‐sectional area at the piriform aperture of 0.70 cm 2 and a large effect of decongestion at MCA were found to be the best variables to separate obstructed from normal noses .…”