DISTRIBUTION OF ANATOMIC VARIATIONS OF THE NOSE AND PARANASAL SINUSES IN KASHMIRI POPULATION BY COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY SCAN ANALYSIS.

Abstract

Background: Knowledge of anatomy constitutes an integral part of the total management of patients with sinonasal diseases. The aim of this study was to obtain the prevalence of sinonasal anatomic variations in the Kashmiri population and to understand their importance and impact on the disease process, as well as their influence on surgical management and outcome. Materials and Methods: This study is a prospective review of retrospectively performed normal computed tomography (CT) scans of the nose and paranasal sinuses in the adult Kashmiri population at SMHS Hospital. The scans were reviewed by two independent observers. Results: The most common anatomic variation after excluding agger nasi cells were pneumatized Crista Galli, which was seen in 69% of the scans. However, the least common variation seen in this series was Pneumatized inferior turbinate, which was encountered in 1.1 % of the cases. Conclusion: A wide range of regional differences in the prevalence of each anatomic variation exists. Understanding the preoperative CT scan is substantially important because it is the roadmap for the sinus surgeon. Detection of anatomic variations is vital for surgical planning and the prevention of complications.