Online ISSN: 1303-6289
Print ISSN: 0304-4793

Published Online: 
January 16, 2006

Turkish Archives of Otolaryngology 2005; 43(4): 201-206 Abstract

Full Text in Turkish [PDF] 523 KB

Objectives: Anatomical variations and anatomy of nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses are more important nowadays because endoscopic sinus surgery is performed more frequently by otorhinolaryngologist. While some anatomic variations such as Haller cell, concha bullosa, big agger nasi cell, pneumatized uncinate process may be a predisposition for chronic sinusitis or nasal polyposis. Some anatomic variations such as Onodi cell, position of ethmoid roof, position of carotis interna in relation to sphenoid sinus are important in terms of complications of endoscopic sinus surgery. In this study we aimed to evaluate the anatomical variations of paranasal sinuses and nasal cavity by using computed tomography.

Methods: In this study, we examined the anatomical variations in the computed tomography images of patients who were scheduled for or underwent endoscopic sinus surgery.

Results: This study included 281 patients (112 female, 169 male). Anatomic variations were detected as follows; concha bullosa in 122 patients (43.4%), agger nasi cell in 81 patients (28.8%), pneumatization of crista galli in 42 patients (15%), paradox middle concha in 27 patients (9.6%), supraorbital ethmoid cell in 8 patients (2.8%), Haller cell in 7 patients (2.5%), dehiscence of carotid canal in 5 patients (1.8%), Onodi cell in 4 patients (1.4%), pneumatization of septum in 3 patients (1%).

Conclusion: It was concluded that anatomical variations may play an important role in the etiopathogenesis of the sinonasal diseases and the development of complications during the surgical interventions.

Copyright © 2005-2006 by the Turkish Otolaryngology & Head and Neck Surgery Foundation.