Journal of Computer Assisted Tomography · 1988 · 218 citations · 0 references
MedicineOtolaryngologySurgeryOtolaryngologic SurgeryOtologyRhinologyChronic RhinosinusitisEndoscopic Sinus SurgeryNasal Cavity AnatomyNasal ExaminationNasal ObstructionParanasal Sinus AnatomyClinical RemissionConcha Bullosa SurgeryEndoscopic Nasal ExaminationEndoscopic Sinus Surgery ComplicationsStructural Nasal ObstructionTurbinate Concha BullosaTurbinate PneumatizationTurbinate Surgery Complications
Aeration of the middle turbinate, termed "concha bullosa," is a common anatomical variant of intranasal anatomy. Of 320 patients evaluated for sinus disease with coronal CT, 34% had concha bullosa on at least one side. The overall incidence of inflammatory disease in the ostiomeatal complex in these symptomatic patients was not different between those with and without concha bullosa. However, there were many cases in which an abnormally large middle turbinate appeared to obstruct the ostiomeatal complex causing secondary infection of the ethmoid, frontal, and maxillary sinuses. Obstruction of drainage of the concha bullosa itself can lead to mucocele formation. Furthermore, the presence of a concha bullosa has important implications for the technique of endoscopic surgery used in the management of the sinus disease. The anatomy, pathophysiology, and CT findings in patients with concha bullosa are reviewed.