Anatomical variations of the middle turbinate among adult sudanese population -a computed tomographic study

Objectives: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of the anatomical variations of the middle turbinate among adult Sudanese population which include Concha Bullosa (CB) and Paradoxical middle turbinate (PMT) and their relationship with age and sex. Methods: The study population involved 29 males (47.5%) and 32 females (52.5 %) with a mean age of 37 years. Exploration was done in the radio-diagnostic department of Ribat University Teaching Hospital, Khartoum- Sudan in the period from January to September 2018. Patients were scanned on slice collimation of 1mm thickness with a slice thickness of 4 mm. Computed Tomography (CT) scans were retrospectively reviewed for the presence of CB and PMT coronal planes, bony windows and reported the results in the datasheet. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS and compared with previous results on similar studies. Result: In the current study, the prevalence of the CB was 22.9%, observed bilaterally in 6 cases (9.8%), unilaterally in 8 (13.1%). PMT was present only in 3 cases (4.9%) all of them were unilateral.Conclusion: Computed Tomography (CT) may easily identify such uncommon anatomic variations of the osteomeatal region, determination of these variations aids in providing a better surgical orientation and avoiding or minimizing the possible complications.