Volumetric analysis of the maxillary sinus in pediatric patients with nasal septal deviation

Objective: Reasons such as nasal deviation, which reduces airflow in nose and impairs oxygenation, may affect the maxillary volume. In this study, we aimed to perform a retrospective study between the degree of nasal septal deviations and maxillary sinus volume. Methods: The files of 103 male and 124 female patients (total n=227) who applied to otorhinolaryngology clinic with nasal septal deviation without coexisting sinonasal morbidity were investigated, and com- pared with those without nasal septal deviation and coexisting sinonasal morbidity. Three-dimensional paranasal sinus CTs were performed for the diagnosis (CTs were found to be normal, and etiology of chronic intracranial headache could not be determined) and they were evaluat- ed retrospectively. Maxillary sinus volume was calculated for each case in the groups. The relationship between nasal septal deviation and max- illary sinus volume was evaluated. Results: Our study determined that there was statically no significant difference between the maxillary volumes of the group with (29.34±7.46 cm 3 ) or without nasal septal deviation (27.89±8.51 cm 3 ) (p>0.05). No matter what the right nasal septal deviation angle is, it did not affect the right, left and total maxillary sinus volumes. Both left- and right-sided nasal septal deviations did not have any effect on the right, left and total maxillary volumes. Conclusion: Any difference was not observed between the maxillary sinus volumes of the children in the pediatric age group with and without nasal septal deviations, and it was concluded that the exis- tence or severity of the septal deviation did not have any effect on the maxillary sinus volume.