Endoscopic Anatomic Variant compared with CT Paranasal Sinuses in the Etiology of Sinusitis

Chronic sinusitis is the inflammation of the nose and paranasal sinuses for more than 12 weeks. There are many anatomical variations in paranasal sinuses. They may contribute to the etiology of chronic sinusitis. They are also important when doing surgery to avoid inadvertent injury to the structures. The aim of the study is to evaluate the endoscopic anatomic variant and compare with CT- paranasal sinuses to find the etiology of sinusitis. 216 patients coming to OPD with complaints suggestive of Chronic Sinusitis from June 2018 to August 2020 were taken. CT-paranasal sinuses and diagnostic nasal endoscopy were done. The percentage of anatomical variations and their relation to each sinus infection were studied. Anatomical variations present in our study are deviated nasal septum:79.6%, inferior turbinate hypertrophy:65.3%, agger nasi:62.5%, frontal cell:45.4%, onodi cell:40.3%, concha bullosa :38.4%, haller cell:22.7%, interfrontal sinus septal cell:20.8%, pneumatised septum :15.3%, pneumatised uncinate:13%, paradoxical middle turbinate :5.1%. Frontal sinusitis was associated with Agger nasi cell and frontal cell. Anatomy of the paranasal sinuses can be visualised accurately by computed tomography. This helps in accurate visualisation of the pathology and planning of surgery. Proper study of the anatomical variants in CT of para nasal sinuses before surgery can prevent inadvertent injury to vital structures and also prevent complications of surgery. These variations can pinpoint the area of obstruction leading to chronic sinusitis