Mohammad G Raslan, Areej S Alqarzaie, Khaled Nasr
Inferior turbinate pneumatization is an uncommon anatomical variant that should be considered in patients with unilateral or refractory turbinate enlargement. CT imaging confirms the diagnosis and informs surgical planning. Symptomatic cases are effectively managed with tailored, mucosa-preserving turbinate reduction, often in conjunction with the correction of coexisting septal deviation. Larger series with longer follow-up and objective outcome measures are needed to better define optimal management.
BACKGROUND: Concha bullosa refers to the aeration of a nasal turbinate, a finding that is very common in the middle turbinate. Conversely, inferior turbinate aeration is rarely detected on computed tomography (CT) imaging. Clinically significant inferior concha bullosa may contribute to nasal obstruction or headaches.
CASE PRESENTATION: Here, we present a 21-year-old male who complained of headache and bilateral nasal blockage. CT paranasal sinuses demonstrated a deviated nasal septum with middle and inferior turbinate pneumatization on the left side. Septoplasty with submucosal diathermy of the right inferior turbinate and excision of the free margin of the left inferior turbinate were performed. The patient's headache and nasal blockage significantly improved after surgery.
CONCLUSION: Inferior turbinate pneumatization is an uncommon anatomical variant that should be considered in patients with unilateral or refractory turbinate enlargement. CT imaging confirms the diagnosis and informs surgical planning. Symptomatic cases are effectively managed with tailored, mucosa-preserving turbinate reduction, often in conjunction with the correction of coexisting septal deviation. Larger series with longer follow-up and objective outcome measures are needed to better define optimal management.