A STUDY OF ANATOMICAL VARIATIONS OF OSTEOMEATAL COMPLEX IN CHRONIC RHINOSINUSITIS PATIENTS UNDERGOING CT AND NASAL ENDOSCOPY

Aim- The aim of this study is to investigate the incidence and types of anatomical variations within the osteomeatal complex among chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) patients, utilizing CT scans and nasal endoscopy. The study seeks to correlate these variations with the severity and type of paranasal sinus inammation, and emphasize the importance of these diagnostic modalities in pre-operative assessment and surgical planning. The study employed a mixed-methods de Methodology- sign comprising retrospective and prospective arms. It included 100 patients aged 12-60 diagnosed with chronic rhinosinusitis, focusing on those requiring surgical intervention despite prior medical management. Comprehensive assessments involved detailed medical histories, ENT examinations, diagnostic nasal endoscopy, and CT scans using the Lund-Mackay scoring system to evaluate sinus involvement severity. The study Resultsfound a diverse age distribution with a mean age of 35.83 years and nearly equal gender representation. Common symptoms included ear fullness/pain, nasal obstruction, and facial pain. Anatomical evaluations via nasal endoscopy and CT scans revealed prevalent ndings such as deviated nasal septum, inferior turbinate hypertrophy, and sinus anomalies like Concha bullosa and Agger nasi cells. CT scans highlighted frequent involvement of the maxillary sinus and other structural variations crucial for CRS management. Statistical analysis indicated strong agreement between endoscopic and CT ndings, supporting their complementary roles in CRS diagnosis and treatment planning. ConclusionThis study on 100 CRS patients highlighted common anatomical variations in the osteomeatal complex, notably nasal septal deviation, agger nasi, and concha bullosa, inuencing disease severity. Maxillary sinus involvement was predominant, emphasizing obstruction's role. Nasal endoscopy and CT scans showed consistent ndings, underscoring their combined utility for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning in CRS management.