A CT-Scan review of anatomical variants of sinonasal region and its correlation with symptoms of sinusitis (nasal obstruction, facial pain and rhinorrhea)

OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence of anatomical variants of sinonasal region and its correlation with symptoms of sinusitis. METHODS: The study was conducted from January-June 2020 at Radiology Department of PNS Shifa Hospital, Karachi. The study involved 50 symptomatic subjects of sinusitis with age ranges from 18-60 years which were prepared for computed tomography of paranasal sinuses. The scans were reviewed for nasal-septum, turbinates, uncinate process, ethmoid air-cells along with other anatomical variants and were correlated with symptoms of sinusitis. RESULTS: Out of 50 subjects, 34 were males and 16 were females with mean age of 42.68±18.22 years. Most common anatomical variants observed were agger nasi cells (64%), deviated nasal septum (56%), and concha-bullosa (46%). Statistically significant correlation existed between bilateral agger nasi cells and nasal obstruction (p=0.017, ρ= -0.336). CONCLUSION: The anatomy of sinonasal region is highly complex. However, anatomical variants can disturb the sinus mucociliary drainage pathway resulting in patient suffering. Therefore, considering the variable anatomy of sinonasal region, CT-PNS is recommended for every subject in order to avoid surgical hazards.