Association of Mastoid Pneumatization with Deviated Nasal Septum: A Clinicoradiological Study

Background: Deviated nasal septum (DNS) has been reported to jeopardizing the nasal aerodynamics. This in turn may affect the pressure dynamics in the nasopharynx and eventually affect the development and pneumatization of mastoid air cells. Few studies done previously have shown a positive correlation between nasal pathologies and mastoid pneumatization. Objectives: This study was undertaken to see for the possible association of mastoid cell pneumatization, with DNS. Materials and Methods: Limited high-resolution computed tomography temporal bone and computed tomography nose and paranasal sinuses were used to calculate the mastoid air cell volume and angle of septal deviation. The degree of septal deviation was graded into mild, moderate, and severe. The mastoid air cell system volume was calculated on the side of the convexity of the septal deviation and the other side. Results: It was found that there is a statistically significant difference in the mastoid volume on the affected side of the DNS vis a vis the unaffected side. Further, the degree of reduction of the volume was not a linear function of the degree of septal deviation. Conclusions: Septal deviation significantly reduces the mastoid air cell volume on the affected side Thus, early correction of pathological DNS in adults, irrespective of the etiology, is important, so as to avoid the chances of developing chronic ear pathologies in later life.