Relationship between septal body size and septal deviation.

BACKGROUND Previous studies have described inferior turbinate hypertrophy compensatory to a septal deviation. The septal body contains vasoactive tissue that may behave in a manner similar to the inferior turbinate. The septal body, situated in the nasal valve region, may undergo changes that alter nasal anatomy and airflow patterns. The goal was to compare the size of the septal body to the laterality of septal deviation. The aim was to determine whether there is a correlation between the laterality of septal deviation and laterality of septal body prominence. METHODS Measurements were obtained from 100 sinus computerized tomography scans that were retrospectively reviewed. The degree of septal deviation, the size of the septal body, and the correlation between these measurements were assessed. RESULTS The mean septal body width was 9.3 mm. The degree of septal deviation was classified as mild in 27 cases, moderate in 36 cases, and severe in 27 cases. In 99 of 100 cases, the septal body was larger on the side opposite the nasal septal deviation, and this was statistically significant (p < 0.05). The difference in septal body thickness ipsilateral and contralateral to a septal deviation was found to correlate with the degree of septal deviation. Mean difference in septal body size was 3.98 mm in cases with severe septal deviation, 1.97 mm in cases with moderate deviation, and 1.21 mm in cases with mild septal deviation. CONCLUSION The septal body is more prominent contralateral to a septal deviation. These findings are similar to those seen with inferior turbinate hypertrophy. The results indicate that septal body hypertrophy may play a role in regulating nasal airflow and may contribute to nasal obstruction.