Morphological Variations of the Frontal Sinus in a South Asian
Population: A Computed Tomography-Based Analysis
Abstract
Abstract: Introduction: Variations in pneumatization patterns
and frontal sinus ostium morphology complicate surgical navigation and
management of frontal sinus pathology. This study aimed to evaluate the
morphological characteristics of the frontal sinus in a South Asian
population using computed tomography (CT) imaging, focusing on
pneumatization patterns, frontal ostium diameter, and frontal ostium
grading. Methods A retrospective review of 106 patients (212 frontal
sinuses) who underwent CT scans of the paranasal sinuses at Aga Khan
University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan, was conducted. Data on frontal
sinus pneumatization, frontal ostium diameter, and frontal ostium
grading were analyzed. The study population had a mean age of 40.4 ±
14.4 years, with a male-to-female ratio of 2:1. Results: Our study
revealed that the majority of patients (95.5%) exhibited medium
pneumatization (Type 2), while aplasia/hypoplasia (Type 1) and
hyperplasia (Type 3) were rare (2% and 3%, respectively). The mean
frontal ostium diameter was 7.8 ± 2.0 mm on the left and 7.4 ± 2.1 mm on
the right, with minimal gender-based differences. Frontal ostium grading
showed that 81.1% of left-sided and 67.9% of right-sided ostia were
classified as FOG-positive, indicating easier surgical access.
Conclusion Our findings highlight that the population exhibited medium
pneumatization (Type 2) of the frontal sinuses. The mean diameter of the
frontal sinus ostia showed slight variations between genders and between
the right and left sides, with overall averages of 7.8 mm on the left
and 7.4 mm on the right.