CT appearance of pneumatized inferior turbinate

Yang, B.T.; Chong, V.F.H.; Wang, Z.C.; Xian, J.F.; Chen, Q.H.

doi:10.1016/j.crad.2008.01.011

« Previous Next »Clinical Radiology
Volume 63, Issue 8 , Pages 901-905, August 2008

CT appearance of pneumatized inferior turbinate

B.T. Yang
- Department of Radiology, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
V.F.H. Chong
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, National University Hospital and Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
Z.C. Wang
- Department of Radiology, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Guarantor and correspondent: Z.C. Wang, Department of Radiology, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, 1 Dongjiaominxiang, Dongcheng District, Beijing, China. Tel.: +86 010 58268064; fax: +86 010 65131244.
J.F. Xian
- Department of Radiology, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
Q.H. Chen
- Department of Radiology, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China

Received 20 August 2007; received in revised form 3 January 2008; accepted 15 January 2008.

Aim

To study the computed tomography (CT) features of pneumatized inferior turbinate (PIT).

Materials and methods

A retrospective review of paranasal sinus CT over a period of 12 years showed 16 cases of PIT. The pneumatization pattern was analysed according to the classification proposed by Bolger. Pneumatization was classified into three types: bulbous, lamellar, and extensive.

Results

Fourteen patients had unilateral and two patients had bilateral pneumatization (n=18). Seven (39%) of the 18 PIT were bulbous, nine (50%) were lamellar, and two (11%) were of the extensive type. In eight (44%) cases there was communication between the medial wall of the maxillary sinus and the PIT.

Conclusions

The features of PIT can be readily identified on CT. Imaging helps clinicians to differentiate PIT from other causes of the inferior turbinate hypertrophy or complications.