The relationship between degree of nasal septum deviation with sinonasal structures and variations

Abstract

We aimed to evaluate whether the nasal septum deviation affects the development of sinonasal structures. Patients who had undergone paranasal sinus computed tomography (PNS-CT) imaging due to nasal obstruction were divided into 3 groups according to the septal deviation angle; group I: 0 degrees to 9 degrees, group II: 10 degrees to 15 degrees, and group III: >15 degrees. The features of sinonasal structures were recorded when evaluating PNS-CT. There were totally 234 patients, 119 patients in group I, 68 in group II, and 47 in group III. On the opposite side of the deviation, keros 3 was significantly more in group III (P < 0.001). Although the incidence of concha bullosa and agger nasi cell were not affected by the degree of deviation (P > 0.05), the incidence of Haller and Onodi cells were significantly higher in group III (P < 0.001). In addition, all cells were observed more in the opposite side of the deviation in each group (P < 0.001). Maxillary sinus retention cysts and hypoplasia of maxillary and frontal sinuses, as an indicator of the low pneumatization of the sinuses, are seen more on the same side of nasal septum deviation, increasing with the degree of deviation increases (P < 0.001). Nasal septum deviation affects the development of sinonasal structures by affecting the pneumatization. Preoperative PNS-CT evaluation is important in order to be aware of the situations that we may encounter during surgery and to provide adequate treatment.