Anatomic Variations of the Nose in Chronic Rhinosinusitis

Background: Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) refers to a group of disorders characterized by inflammation of the mucosa of the paranasal sinuses. Nasal endoscopy and computed tomography (CT) scans are successfully used as diagnostic modalities of nose and paranasal sinus diseases. There have been many studies regarding the anatomic variations leading to pathogenesis of paranasal sinus diseases. Considerable progress has been made in the medical and surgical control of these conditions; however, a large number of questions relating to the diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment of the diseases remain unanswered. Materials and methods: The study included 82 clinically diagnosed cases of CRS who underwent CT scan and were advised to undergo diagnostic endoscopy. The anatomical findings of the nose were compared to see correlation between nasal endoscopy and CT scan. Results: The mean age (±standard error of the mean) of presentation was 34.11 (±1.42) years, while most patients were from the age group of 18 to 30 years. Males were predominating the study group with 62.2%, while 37.8% were females. The most common anatomic variation was deviated nasal septum with 92.68% CT reported patients. This was followed by inferior turbinate hypertrophy, septal spur, concha bullosa, and agger nasi cells. Conclusion: Computed tomography scan is considered the gold standard for sinonasal imaging. Diagnostic endoscopy and CT scan are a must prior to any functional endoscopic sinus surgery. They help in assessing the extent of sinus disease and to know the variations and vital relations of the paranasal sinuses. Computed tomography scan assists the surgeon as a “road map” during endoscopic sinus surgery.