Serrated Inferior Turbinate Variation and Sinonasal Findings on CBCT

Overview

regulate nasal airflow, humidify and filter inspired air. Serrated inferior turbinate is a rare anatomical variation characterized by an irregular, serrated appearance of the inferior turbinate bone. Although this variation has been described in radiological studies, its possible relationship with maxillary sinus mucosal changes and other sinonasal anatomical features remains unclear. This retrospective observational study aims to evaluate the relationship between serrated inferior turbinate variation and maxillary sinus mucosal thickness, mucosal abnormalities, and other sinonasal anatomical structures using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images. CBCT images obtained from patients who underwent imaging for routine diagnostic purposes will be retrospectively reviewed. The presence of serrated inferior turbinate variation, maxillary sinus findings, inferior turbinate measurements, and nasal septum characteristics will be evaluated. The study aims to improve understanding of the radiological significance of serrated inferior turbinate variation and to provide information that may contribute to more accurate evaluation and reporting of sinonasal anatomical variations.

The nasal cavity contains several anatomical structures that contribute to normal respiratory function, including regulation of airflow, filtration, humidification, and temperature control of inspired air. The inferior turbinate is a key component of the lateral nasal wall and consists of a bony framework covered by vascular mucosa. Variations in the morphology and dimensions of the inferior turbinate may influence nasal airflow and the anatomical relationship between the nasal cavity and adjacent sinonasal structures. Serrated inferior turbinate is a rare anatomical variation characterized by irregular serrated bony contours along the medial surface of the inferior turbinate. Previous studies have mainly focused on the prevalence and morphological description of inferior turbinate variations; however, the potential association between serrated inferior turbinate variation and maxillary sinus mucosal changes has not been sufficiently investigated. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) provides three-dimensional, high-resolution imaging of the maxillofacial region and allows detailed assessment of bony structures, paranasal sinuses, and sinonasal anatomical variations. In this study, CBCT images will be retrospectively analyzed to determine whether the presence of serrated inferior turbinate variation is associated with changes in the ipsilateral maxillary sinus mucosa and other sinonasal anatomical parameters. The study population will consist of individuals who underwent CBCT imaging for routine diagnostic purposes. Images will be evaluated for the presence or absence of serrated inferior turbinate variation. Additional radiological assessments will include maxillary sinus mucosal thickness, presence of polypoid mucosal thickening or retention cysts, inferior turbinate dimensions, nasal septal deviation angle, and other sinonasal anatomical findings. All evaluations will be performed on existing CBCT datasets without additional imaging procedures or interventions. Patient confidentiality will be maintained throughout the study, and all analyses will be performed using anonymized imaging data. The findings of this study may contribute to a better understanding of the clinical and radiological significance of serrated inferior turbinate variation and may improve the assessment and reporting of sinonasal anatomical variations in CBCT examinations.