Anatomical Factors in Children with Orbital Complications Due to Acute Rhinosinusitis

INTRODUCTION: The role of the anatomical variations and severity of acute rhinosinusitis (ARS) in the development of ARS complications is still an unknown issue. Regarding this, the present study evaluated the relationship between the severity of ARS and anatomical nasal variations in pediatric patients with ARS-related orbital complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was conducted on 134 pediatric patients with orbital complications related to ARS. The data related to patients’ demographics, complication types, and involved side were collected. Nasal sides were also compared in terms of the Lund-Mackay score (LMS), osteomeatal complex (OMC) obstruction, Keros classification, presence of agger nasi cells (AGC), concha bullosa, Haller cells, Onodi cells, septal deviation, and lower turbinate hypertrophy. RESULTS: The comparison of LMSs indicated a significant difference between the complicated and contralateral sides (8.37±2.44 vs. 5.62±2.71; P<0.0001). In addition, there was a significant difference between the complicated and contralateral sides in terms of the OMC scores (P<0.0001). The rates of lower turbinate hypertrophy and AGC on the complicated side were higher than those on the contralateral side (P=0.021 and P<0.00; respectively). CONCLUSION: As the results indicated, anatomical variability in adjacent structures affects the development of ARS-related orbital complications in pediatric patients.