Coronal plane computerized tomographic scanning has dramatically improved the imaging of paranasal sinus anatomy. Subtle anatomic features such as Haller's cell, pneumatization or paradoxical curvature of the middle turbinate, and variations in
the
conformation of the ethmoid bulla, uncinate process and agger nasi cell can now be imaged through CT. As variations and anomalies of these structures have been implicated in the etiology of chronic and recurrent sinusitis, coronal plane CT
imaging
of
the paranasal sinuses routinely has become used in the evaluation of the patient with sinus-like complaints. Recently, it has become apparent that anatomic variations are also evident on CT analysis of patients without clinical sinusitis. The
true
prevalence, suspected pathogenecity, and clinical significance of these bony paranasal sinus anatomic variations have therefore come into question. A detailed analysis of CT scans obtained in 101 consecutively imaged patient was conducted.
@ES The following results were obtained.
@EN 1) The incidence of sinusitis patterns was as follows; Sinonasal polyposis, OMU, Infundibular, Sporadic, Sphonoethmoidal recess in order.
2) The incidence of anatomic variation was as follows; Agger nasi cell, Septal deviation, Concha bullosa, Enlarged ethmoid bulla, Haller's cell, Paradoxical curvature of middle turbinate in order.
3) The site of insertion of uncinate process was lamina papyracea, base of skull, uncertain, middle turbinate in order.
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