Nasoseptal variation in relation to sinusitis. A computerized tomographic evaluation.

Paraseptal structural abnormalities are common in patients with sinusitis. They may coexist with radiographic changes suggestive of sinusitis. Their etiological role in patients with no history of sinus disease is still controversial. In this study, computerized tomographic scan of orbits of 89 cases with no history of sinusitis were reviewed between 1996 and 1998. The incidence of septal deviation, concha bullosa and paradoxical middle turbinates was looked at. Their correlation with sinusitis was analyzed using CM-square statistical method. Results showed that the presence of these anatomical abnormalities is not associated with an increased incidence of sinusitis as shown radiologically. We conclude that the presence of septal deviation or large middle turbine on routine rhinoscopy does not mandate further radiological evaluation of the sinuses in the absence of history of sinusitis.