Publication:

The prevalence of middle turbinate pneumatization in patients of Southern region of Saudi Arabia

Background The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of middle turbinate pneumatization in patients of Southern region of Saudi Arabia.

Methods This study used a retrospective radiological design to analyze computed tomography scans of 117 patients aged between 18 and 80 years of Southern region in Saudi Arabia were used in this study. Patients with altered anatomy (iatrogenic or pathological) were excluded, CT scans were analysed to determine the prevalence of middle turbinate pneumatization in patients of Southern region of Saudi Arabia.

Results There were forty percent (40%) male cases and sixty percent (60%) female cases. Concha bullosa (CB) was discovered in 17 (14.5%) of the cases, with 4 cases (23%) being bilateral and 13 (76%) being unilateral. 7 (53%) of unilateral cases were on the right side, while 6 (47%) were on the left.

Conclusions CB was discovered in 17 (14.5%) of the cases, in patients of Southern region of Saudi Arabia, most of them unilateral by 76%. That’s indicate there is significant number of patients have CB and surgeon should consider it one of his differential diagnosis in patient with nasal obstruction.