Large Concha Bullosa Is a Risk Factor for Chronic Sinusitis: A Case Control Study

The study analyzed the correlation between the presence of concha bullosa with the presence of radiological sinus opacity and sinonasal functional symptoms. All patients whose computed tomography (CT) findings were positive for concha bullosa were included in the study. The CT parameters taken in consideration were the presence and volume of concha bullosa, the aspect of the ipsilateral maxillary sinus (normal transparency, presence of sinus opacity). Clinical parameters were sinonasal functional signs. Statistical comparisons were made using the Pearson Chi square test. Over a four years period, 2436 CTs were interpreted, 276 of which presenting a concha bullosa (prevalence of 11.33%). The average age was 33 (19 to 63). Females (204 either 74%) outnumbered men (72 either 26%). An opacification of the ipsilateral maxillary sinus seen upon CT was statistically related to the presence of a large concha bullosa (p = 0.02). On the other hand, the presence of a clinical symptomatology of maxillary sinusitis crossed with the presence of a large concha bullosa was not significant (p ˃ 0.50). This study has demonstrated a close correlation between the existence of a large concha-bullosa and an ipsilateral maxillary sinusitis seen on CT-Scan without necessarily having clinical manifestation of sinusitis. The diagnosis of sinusitis must remain primarily clinical.