Retrospective analysis of Anatomical Variations of Paranasal Sinuses on Multidetector Computed Tomography – A Randomized Cross-Sectional Study

ABSTRACT

Background: For Endoscopic sinus Surgery, precise knowledge of the anatomy and variations of paranasal sinus is essential for surgeon. Computed tomography provides accurate evictions of the anatomy, the anatomical variants and the extent of the disease in and around the paranasal sinuses. Objective: In this study, we evaluated the frequency of anatomic variations of the paranasal sinus region by using multidetectorcomputerized tomography (MDCT). Methods: During the year 2017, over a period of 12 months MDCT images of 150 cases were evaluated by using the picture archiving and communication system (PACS). Frequency distribution and descriptive statistics of the variants were analysed. Results: We observed CT images of paranasal sinuses of 150 cases. We found nasal septal deviation as the most common variant seen in 61.1% and Pneumatisation of middle concha as the second most common seen in 55.2% of cases. Other variants observed are pneumatizations of nasal septum, middle, superior and inferior conchae, uncinateprocess, crista gali, bony spur, concha bullosa of middle turbinate, paradoxial curvatures of middle concha , agger nasi cells, haller cells, onodi cells and supraorbital ethmoid air cells , hypoplasia of frontal, maxillary and sphenoid sinuses, aplasia of frontal sinus, asymmetry of the height of ethmoid roof and prominent ethmoid bulla. Conclusion: Anatomical variations of PNS are quite common. These variations must be identified preoperatively to reduce the risk of intraoperative complications.