International Journal of Medical and Health Research

Authors
Shikha Saxena, Atul Saxena

Abstract
Background: There is variation in appearance of paranasal sinuses (PNS). Various radiographs are available for the assessment of PNS such as water’s view, panoramic radiographs etc. Among specialized radiography, computed tomography (CT) of the paranasal sinuses (PNS) has nowadays become the investigation of choice. The present study was conducted to assess variations in sinuses using CT scans. Materials & Methods: The present study was conducted in the department of radiodiagnosis in year 2014. It included 120 patients visited for sinonasal symptoms. All patients were subjected to CT scan using Kodak machine. Each scan was studied for the presence of haller cell, pneumatisation in the nasal septum, onodi cell, paradoxical middle turbinate, superior and middle turbinate, uncinate process and deviated nasal septum (DNS). Results: Out of 120 patients, males were 50 and females were 70. The difference was non- significant (P- 0.2). Age group 20-30 years had 65 patients, 30-40 years had 40 patients and 40-50 years had 15 patients. The difference was significant (P- 0.05). Special cells such as agger nasi cells were seen in 72 patients, haller’s cells in 24 and onodi cells in 20 patients. The difference was significant (P < 0.05). Frontal sinus shows septation in 30%, maxillary sinus in 22%, sphenoid sinus in 44% and ethmoid sinus in 4%. 50% showed type I cribiform plates, 38% showed type II and 12% showed type III. Frontal sinus hypoplasia was seen in 5%, maxillary sinus in 4%, ethmoid sinus in 1% and sphenoid sinus in 1%. Horizontal uncinate process was seen in 56% and vertical uncinate process was seen in 44% of cases. Common variation such as deviated nasal septum (59%) and concha bullosa (27%) were seen. Conclusion: Variations in sinuses are not uncommon. Careful analysis of sinuses before undergoing sinus surgery is required for achieving best results and preventing further complications. CT scan is useful in this direction.