A CT and DNE study of osteomeatal complex variations and their correlation in chronic rhinosinusitis patients

Background: CRS is a global burden reducing the productivity at work. This study was done to evaluate the occurrence of anatomical variations of osteomeatal complex (OMC) and to assess its relation in causation of chronic rhinosinusitis in the study population. Methods: A 100 patients diagnosed with CRS in the outdoor of Dept. Of ENT between November 2012 – November 2015 were subjected to CT Imaging and DNE and the frequency of anatomical variations and involvement of paranasal sinuses were evaluated. The correlation between them was established using chi-square test. Results: Agger nasi cells were the most common variant seen in 73 (73%) patients with 12% being unilateral and 61% bilateral. Other variants seen were: deviated nasal septum in 68%, uncinate process variations in 58%, concha bullosa in 30%, enlarged bulla ethmoidalis in 25%, paradoxical middle turbinate in 18%, haller’s cells in 6% and accessory maxillary ostia in 2%. We could establish a correlation between a few of these variants and the affected sinuses. Conclusions: The importance of CT and nasal endoscopy is emphasized in patients with persistent symptoms to identify the anatomical variations that may contribute to the development of chronic sinus mucosal disease.