A Study of Anatomical Variations in the Nasal Cavity in Cases of Chronic Rhinosinusitis

Chronic rhinosinusitis is very common disorder encountered in general population. Anatomical variations in the nasal cavity are mainly responsible for improper drainage and subsequent chronic rhinosinusitis. Present study is crosssectional and observational study undertaken at ENT department of tertiary care hospital. 200 cases of chronic rhinosinusitis fulfilling inclusion criteria were evaluated for various anatomical variations in the nasal cavity using diagnostic nasal endoscopy and computed tomography. Present study of 200 cases showed male preponderance M: F ratio 1:0.56. Most cases (79.5%) belonged to age group 11–50. Nasal obstruction was presenting complaint in 90% cases. 78% cases had septal deviation. 20% had septal spur. 32% cases had enlarged inferior turbinate, 9% had paradoxical middle turbinate, 13% had enlarged middle turbinate, 1% had bifid middle turbinate. 12% had pneumatised middle turbinate. 7% had enlarged uninate process, 1.5% cases had hypoplastic uncinate process and 7% had enlarged ethmoidal bulla. 45% cases showed oval sphenoid ostium while 31% showed circular and 8% slit like opening. Agger nasi cells were present in 82% cases. All 200 cases had anatomical variations in nasal cavity so it can be concluded that these are responsible for chronic rhinosinusitis