Anatomical variations of nose and para-nasal sinuses; CT scan review.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the frequency of anatomic variations on computed tomography scan of para-nasal sinuses.

METHODS

The retrospective study was conducted at the Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, and comprised computed tomography scans of 77 patients who had presented between October 2007 and March 2011. All the scans were reviewed using Picture Archiving Communication System computer software. The scans were reviewed for the presence of deviated nasal septum, paradoxical middle turbinate, Haller cell, Onodi cell, and pneumatisation of the middle turbinate and uncinate process.

RESULTS

The mean age of the patients was 31 +/- 13.15 years. One or more types of anatomical variants were observed in 40 (51.9%) of the patients; the most frequent being the deviated nasal septum 20 (26%) and the Concha bullosa 14 (18.2%).

CONCLUSION

Considering the wide range of variations in the anatomy, each and every para-nasal sinus case should be planned individually and carefully to avoid dreadful complications and maximise patients' benefit.