Uncinate Process Variations and Their Relationship with Ostiomeatal Complex: A Pictorial Essay of Multidedector Computed Tomography (MDCT) Findings


GÜNGÖR G., Okur N., Okur E.

POLISH JOURNAL OF RADIOLOGY, vol.81, pp.173-180, 2016 (ESCI) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Review
  • Volume: 81
  • Publication Date: 2016
  • Doi Number: 10.12659/pjr.895885
  • Journal Name: POLISH JOURNAL OF RADIOLOGY
  • Journal Indexes: Emerging Sources Citation Index (ESCI), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.173-180
  • Süleyman Demirel University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

The ostiomeatal complex (OMC) is a key area for the drainage and ventilation of the paranasal sinuses. Stenosis created by inflammation and anatomic variations in this region causes an ideal ground for parasanal sinus infections, by preventing the drainage and ventilation of the sinuses. In today's diagnostics of paranasal sinus infections, the role of evaluation of OMC anatomical variations and soft tissue pathology has increased.. Knowing the anatomical details is important in terms of directing both medical and surgical treatment. The uncinate process (UP) constitutes the most important structure of the ostiomeatal complex, playing a role in mucociliary activity. UP variations can cause mucociliary drainage and ventilation problems, causing complications during surgery. Therefore, knowing and identifying their appearances in multidetector computed tomography (MDCT), the most frequently used radiological imaging method for these variations, becomes a very important consideration.