Prevalence of Anatomic Variations in Chronic Rhinosinusitis.

Abstract

To determine the prevalence of anatomic variations in patients suffering from chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) and to compare them with normal population. DESIGN: This is a case control study. A prospective study of anatomic variations was done on 100 computed tomography (CT) scans of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis. Prevalence of anatomic variations in control group was assessed by studying 100 CT scans of non-CRS patients. RESULTS: Even though proportion of concha bullosa was more among chronic rhinosinusitis patients compared to normal individuals, it was statistically not significant. There was no significant difference in the prevalence of paradoxical middle turbinate, retroverted uncinate process, overpneumatized ethmoid bulla and septal deviation in chronic rhinosinusitis patients compared to normal individuals. There was significantly lesser proportion of individuals having haller cells and agger nasi cells in chronic rhinosinusitis compared to normal individuals. CONCLUSION: There is no significant prevalence of anatomic variations in osteomeatal unit in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis. The anatomic variations may predispose to pathological changes only if they are bigger in size. More detailed studies are recommended in this regard as a good knowledge of complex anatomy of the paranasal sinuses is essential to understand chronic rhinosinusitis and to plan its treatment.