Anatomical correlation between existence of concha bullosa and maxillary sinus volume

Abstract

The objective of this study was to assess the effects of concha bullosa variation on maxillary sinus volume and uncinate angle. The study group included 169 patients (338 sides) who underwent either surgical or medical treatment with the diagnosis of chronic rhinosinusitis. The paranasal sinus computed tomography of these patients was analyzed to measure maxillary sinus volume, uncinate angle and existence of concha bullosa. Subsequently, these variables were evaluated to find out possible relationship inbetween. Mean maxillary sinus volume and uncinate angle at right and left sides were 15.21 +/- A 0.47 and 15.51 +/- A 0.48 mm(3), 30.57 +/- A 0.62A degrees and 30.20 +/- A 0.68A degrees, respectively. There was no difference between patients with or without concha bullosa in regard to maxillary sinus volume and uncinate angle at both sides. Maxillary sinus volume and degree of uncinate angle did not show any significant correlation at both sides; r = -0.124, p = 0.107 and r = -0.136, p = 0.078. In conclusion, concha bullosa is a common anatomical variation at nasal cavity. The existence of concha bullosa does not have any association with the volume of maxillary sinus and angle of uncinate process.