Prevalence of normal anatomical variations in the region of paranasal sinuses in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis

Background: Knowledge of the anatomical relationships and the anatomical variations in paranasal sinus region is critical for surgeons performing endoscopic sinus surgery. It helps surgeons to avoid the potential complications of sinus surgery and to improve success of management strategies. Objective: The objective of this study was to show how prevalent are the anatomic variations in the region of the paranasal sinuses and nasal cavity in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from January 2018 to July 2018 at Al-Hilla general teaching hospital. We collected data of 75 patients (who have met the clinical criteria of chronic rhinosinusitis) subjected to computed tomography (CT) of the paranasal sinuses. CT was performed using SIEMENS SOMATOM Definition AS and Philips machines. Direct coronal scans (1 mm in thickness) were made, from the anterior wall of the frontal sinus to the posterior wall of the sphenoid sinus with axial and sagittal reconstruction images. Results: Anatomical variations found in 69 patients of a total 75 patients with age range from 18 to 60 years with 92%. Among these, nasal septal deviation was the most common (seen in 54/75 patients = 72%) followed by the Agger nasi cells in 52 patients (69%), concha bullosa in 31 patients (41.3%), Haller cells in 28 patients (37%), and Onodi cells in 18 patients (24%). Conclusion: Sinonasal anatomical variations are common findings in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis. Providing information on these anatomical variations will improve the success of endoscopic sinus surgery