Role of Computed Tomography in Evaluation of Anatomical Variations of the Paranasal Sinuses - CT Findings in 350 Patients

To study the diagnostic accuracy and efficacy of CT scan in evaluation of various anatomical variations of the paranasal sinuses in 350 patients. Design: A prospective study of anatomic variations of paranasal sinus was done on 350 patients with sinusitis and non-sinusitis patients who undergo for computed tomography (CT) for various regions. Results: Various types of anatomical variations were observed in the study. The most frequent anatomical variation found was septal deviation (60.8 %), followed by presence of concha bullosa (34.3 %). Other variations found were paradoxical middle turbinate (10.6 %), agger nasi cell (36.1 %), haller cells (11.7 %) onodi cells (17.1 %), uncinate process pneumatization (5.4 %), superior attachment of uncinate process to lamina papraycea, to middle turbinate (11.7 %), to skull base (17.4 %) and free (21.1 %), anterior clinoid process pneumatization (15.4 %), frontal sinus hypoplasia (2.1 %), crista galai pneumatization (1.1 %). Conclusion: Computed Tomography of the paranasal sinus has improved the visualization of paranasal sinus anatomy. The radiologist must pay close attention to anatomical variants in the preoperative evaluation. It is important for surgeon to be aware of variations that may predispose patients to increased risk of intraoperative complications and help avoid possible complications.