THE EFFECT OF NASAL SEPTUM DEVIATION ON NASOPHARYNGEAL VOLUME

OBJECTIVE: Nasal septum deviation (NSD) is a common anatomical abnormality that significantly impacts nasopharyngeal airflow dynamics and respiratory function. This study aimed to examine NSD morphologies, evaluate their effects on nasopharyngeal volume (NV), and investigate the relationship between NSD angle and airway volume. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on head computed tomography (CT) scans from 100 patients aged 18 to 70. Segmented structures were measured volumetrically in mm3 using the Segment 3D tool. Anatomical variations in NSD were identified. In the study, NSD angles were measured via the ITK-SNAP interface. Correlations between NSD angles and NV were assessed. Statistical analyses were performed to determine differences according to gender and age. RESULTS: The NSD angle was 5° or greater in 67% of patients. Four different NSD types were identified. These are right and left concave C-shaped, dorsoventral S-shaped and caudal-rostral S-shaped. A significant negative correlation was observed between NSD angle and NV in both coronal (r = -0.635, p<0.01) and axial (r = -0.652, p<0.01) planes. Patients with NSD angles of 5° or greater had notably reduced NV compared to those with smaller angles (p<0.05). Additionally, a positive correlation was observed between age (mean ± SD; 33.04±14.42) and NV (r = 0.245, p=0.014). This suggests that increasing deviation angles substantially reduces NV, potentially affecting respiratory efficiency. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates a significant correlation between larger NSD angles and reduced NV. This finding indicates NSD may negatively impact nasal airflow and cause upper airway obstruction. These results highlight the clinical importance of accurate NSD assessment in patients with unexplained respiratory symptoms. They also pave the way for improved diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.