Anatomic variations of the paranasal sinus area in pediatric patients with chronic sinusitis.

Endoscopic endonasal surgery has been performed in children. Therefore, we need to know the precise anatomy and anatomic variations of the lateral nasal wall. This is important in order to achieve better surgical results and avoid complications. We also need to know the relationship between the anatomic variations and sinonasal disease. For the purpose of this study we assessed the anatomic variations of the lateral nasal wall and the association of these variations with chronic sinusitis in children. Forty-seven children with chronic sinus disease were included in the study. There were 25 female and 22 male patients with ages ranging from 2 to 16 years (mean 10.5+/-3.8 years). On coronal and axial computed tomographic (CT) scans, the anatomic variations of the lateral nasal wall and sinusitis were assessed. A pneumatized middle concha (MC) was the most common anatomic variation, followed by pneumatization of the superior concha (SC), Haller cell and agger nasi cell. Secondary MC, large ethmoidal bulla, maxillary sinus hypoplasia, Onodi cell, and uncinate process pneumatization were relatively rare. Maxillary sinusitis was the most common sinus infection, followed by ethmoidal, sphenoidal and frontal sinusitis in that order. There was no significant relationship between the sinusitis and anatomic variations except for some minor associations. In conclusion, anatomic variations in the lateral nasal wall are common in children. Local, systemic or environmental factors appear to be more important in pediatric sinusitis than the anatomic variations. Due to the absence of a definitive relationship between the anatomic variations and sinus disease, aggressive surgical interventions should be avoided while performing endonasal endoscopic surgery in the children.