MORPHOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF NASAL SEPTUM DEVIATION AND ASSOCIATED ANATOMICAL VARIATIONS ON COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY IMAGING OF THE PARANASAL SINUSES
Main Article Content
Abstract
Background: Nasal septum deviation (NSD) is a common anatomical variation that can impair nasal airflow and is associated with various nasal-sinus disorders. Coexisting anatomical variations, including concha bullosa and inferior turbinate hypertrophy, may exacerbate nasal obstruction and reduce the effectiveness of medical and surgical interventions. This study aimed to evaluate the morphological characteristics of nasal septum deviation and associated nasal-sinus anatomical variations on computed tomography imaging. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on 102 who underwent CT scans of the paranasal sinuses at Nhan Dan Gia Dinh Hospital from September 2024 to May 2025. NSD was classified according to Mladina’s system. The deviation angle was measured and categorized into three groups (<5°, 6–10°, 11–15°). Associated anatomical variations such as concha bullosa and inferior turbinate hypertrophy were also assessed. Results: 61 patients (59.8%) had NSD, with a mean age of 44 years. Type I deviation was the most common (32.8%), followed by Type III (31.1%). Group II deviation angle (6–10°) was the most frequent (41.3%). Associated anatomical variations were observed in 27% of cases. Conclusion: Nasal septum deviation and associated anatomical variations are highly prevalent on CT imaging. Systematic preoperative evaluation of these features can assist surgeons in optimizing surgical planning and improving treatment outcomes.
Article Details
Keywords
Nasal septal deviation, Paranasal sinus CT, Anatomical variation
References
2. Chen XB, Lee HP, Hin Chong VF, Wang DY. Assessment of septal deviation effects on nasal air flow: a computational fluid dynamics model. The Laryngoscope. 2009;119(9):1730-6.
3. Codari M, Zago M, Guidugli GA, Pucciarelli V, Tartaglia GM, Ottaviani F, et al. The nasal septum deviation index (NSDI) based on CBCT data. Dentomaxillofacial Radiology. 2016;45(2): 20150327.
4. El-Taher M, AbdelHameed WA, Alam-Eldeen MH, Haridy A. Coincidence of concha bullosa with nasal septal deviation; radiological study. Indian Journal of Otolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery. 2019;71(Suppl 3):1918-22.
5. Kwon SH, Lee EJ, Yeo CD, Kim MG, Kim JS, Noh SJ, et al. Is septal deviation associated with headache?: A nationwide 10-year follow-up cohort study. Medicine. 2020;99(20):e20337.
6. Mladina R, Čujić E, Šubarić M, Vuković K. Nasal septal deformities in ear, nose, and throat patients: an international study. American journal of otolaryngology. 2008;29(2):75-82.
7. Wee JH, Kim DW, Lee J-E, Rhee C-S, Lee CH, Min Y-G, et al. Classification and prevalence of nasal septal deformity in Koreans according to two classification systems. Acta oto-laryngologica. 2012;132(sup1):S52-S7.
8. Yeom SW, Kim MG, Lee EJ, Chung SK, Kim DH, Noh SJ, et al. Association between septal deviation and OSA diagnoses: a nationwide 9-year follow-up cohort study. Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine. 2021;17(10):2099-106