The Relationship between Isolated Unilateral Concha Bullosa and Mastoid Air Cell Volumes

Abstract

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between the pneumatization of mastoid air cells (MACs) and isolated unilateral concha bullosa (CB) using computed tomography (CT) scans of the paranasal sinuses (PNS). Material and Methods: A retrospective review of PNS CT scans from 53 patients was performed. Cases with nasal septum angulation >5° were excluded from the study. CT evaluations were made with a 128-slice multislice CT scanner in two projections, axial and coronal. Slice thickness was taken as 1 mm for volumetric analysis. Volume measurements were calculated using the syngo.via software program by selecting the relevant anatomical region and using step-by-step addition and expansion processes. Volumes of the MACs (right and left) and isolated unilateral CB (right and left) were obtained and compared using statistical analysis. Results: The volume of MACs and isolated unilateral CB did not change with age; however, the volumes of male participants were larger than that of women. It was observed that the pneumatization of MACs on the side with isolated unilateral CB was significantly greater than for opposing MACs. Discussion and Conclusion: In our study, it was concluded that the isolated unilateral CB caused a significant increase in the MACs volume on the same side of CB.