Prevalence of the anatomical variations of concha bullosa and its relation with sinusitis among Saudi population: a computed tomography scan study

Clinical anatomy of the paranasal sinuses and its terminology

Since its inception, the International Anatomical Terminology has been an indispensable and widely embraced resource for authors, anatomists, researchers, and medical professionals, ensuring standardized anatomical terminology across various disciplines. Nonetheless, it is widely acknowledged that periodic updates and enhancements are necessary to incorporate the latest scientific knowledge and advancements in imaging techniques. The current version of Terminologia Anatomica includes a section dedicated to the paranasal sinuses, encompassing ethmoidal cells and three sinuses: frontal, sphenoidal, and maxillary. However, the anatomical lexicon pertaining to the paranasal sinuses is more extensive. In clinical practice, multiple terms related to clinically significant structures are commonly employed. This article focuses on the clinical terminology associated with the paranasal sinuses, proposing significant extensions to the existing Terminologia Anatomica. These extensions aim to enrich the anatomical nomenclature and facilitate a harmonious convergence between the language of clinicians and the anatomical lexicon. Further endeavors should bridge the gap in anatomical nomenclature and improve communication between anatomists, researchers, and clinicians, thereby enhancing diagnostic accuracy and improving interdisciplinary research collaboration.

Giant concha bullosa presented as left nasal mass: a case report and literature review

Concha bullosa (CB) is not considered to be a disease, but rather a variation of the paranasal sinus. A CB is defined as the presence of an air cell within the turbinate (pneumatization). The main function of CB is to maintain upper respiratory humidity, regulate thermoregulation, and regulate airflow and filtration. It is common for CB to occur in the middle turbinate, while superior and inferior locations appear to be rare. The patient in this case report was presented mainly with nasal obstruction. During examination, a large mass was found in the left nasal cavity, causing a deviated nasal septum to the right. For this patient, surgery was the last resort. Either perioperative or postoperative complications were observed, and the quality of life of patients improved after surgery.

Bilateral enlarged concha bullosa: a case report and literature review

Concha Bullosa (CB) is a common sinonasal anatomical variant, which commonly extends into the middle turbinate. Generally, patients presenting with CB are asymptomatic and often incidentally diagnosed with a non-contrast computed tomography scan of the paranasal sinuses. In cases of extensive pneumatization, large CB may cause significant signs and symptoms-commonly, headaches, nasal obstruction, and hyposmia. With only a few reported cases of large CB in the literature; we herein, report a rare case of an unusually massive bilateral CB that resulted in complete obstruction of the left nasal cavity and partial obstruction of the right nasal cavity, in addition to a review of relevant literature.

Radiological anatomical variations of the lateral nasal wall and anterior skull base amongst different populations: A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

To determine the anatomical variations of the lateral nasal wall and anterior skull base amongst populations in different geographical regions.

DESIGN

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

METHODS

Using PRISMA guidelines, SCOPUS and PUBMED databases were searched from inception until 1 March 2022. The regions and populations identified were from Europe, Asia, Middle East, Australia-New Zealand-Oceania, South America, North America and Africa. Random-effects model was used to estimate the pooled prevalence with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Heterogeneity was assessed using the I² statistic and Cochran's Q test.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Anatomical variations of the lateral nasal wall and anterior skull base confirmed by computed tomography scan.

RESULTS

Fifty-six articles were included with a total of 11 805 persons. The most common anatomical variation of the ostiomeatal complex was pneumatization of the agger nasi (84.1%), olfactory fossa was Keros type 2 (53.8%) and ethmoids was asymmetry of the roof (42.8%). Sphenoethmoidal and suprabullar cells have a higher prevalence in North Americans (53.7%, 95% CI: 46.00-61.33) while asymmetry of ethmoid roof more common in Middle Easterns (85.5%, 95% CI: .00-100). Bent uncinate process has greater prevalence in Asians while supraorbital ethmoid cells and Keros type 3 more common in non-Asians. The overall studies have substantial heterogeneity and publication bias.

CONCLUSION

Certain anatomic variants are more common in a specific population. The 'approach of analysis' plays a role in the prevalence estimates and consensus should be made in future studies regarding the most appropriate 'approach of analysis' either by persons or by sides.

Infected Concha Bullosa Mucocele: A Case Report

Concha bullosa (CB) is a common sinonasal anatomic variant. The obstruction of a CB, though rare, might result in mucocele that may be misdiagnosed. In this report, we present a case of a 32-year-old female with a one-year history of unilateral nasal obstruction, headache, facial pain, foul nasal discharge, and hyposmia, initially misdiagnosed as a neoplasm. Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a right middle CB infection with a mucocele. Laboratory cultures yielded Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Endoscopic sinus surgical mass excision was performed, and treatment with oral cefuroxime was administered. The patient recovered fully. A CB mucocele, though rare, should be considered in the differential diagnosis of an intranasal mass.