Anatomic variations of paranasal sinuses and nasal cavities from CBCT images in the Iranian population

Introduction: external nasal walls are an important factor in the drainage or obstruction of the ostiomeatal complex, therfor anatomical variations in the nasal cavity can elevate the risk of pathological sinus conditions. The aim of this study is to evaluate anatomical variations of paranasal sinuses and nasal cavities using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). Materials and Methods:This investigation assessed CBCT images from 129 patients (aged 12-65 years; 82 females and 47 males) to specify the prevalence of anatomical variations of the paranasal sinuses and nasal cavity. We analyzed the data using the Mann-Whitney test, Kruskal-Wallis test, and chi-square test. Results: anatomical variation was observed for accessory maxillary sinus ostium (100%). Significant relationships were also found between the prevalence of middle turbinate-normal (P=0.03), nasal spine (P=0.01), and patients’ age. Also, significant correlations were found between middle turbinate-normal (P=0.04), uncinate process-normal (P=0.02), uncinate process-lamina terminslis (P=0.001), and septal deviation (P=0.006) and patients’ sex. Significant correlations were also found between some anatomical variations (p<0.05). Conclusion:CBCT is a reliable method for assessing anatomical variations of the paranasal sinuses and nasal cavity. When making preoperative assessments, surgeons and radiologists should be attention to the anatomical variations of the sinonasal region in order to inhibit perioperative complications.