Evaluation of Osteomeatal Complex Anatomical Variations, Pathologies and Nasal Cavity Volume in Patients with Cleft Lip and Palate

Objective To compare osteomeatal complex (OMC) anatomical variations and nasal cavity airway volume between individuals with cleft lip and palate (CLP) and healthy controls using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). Design Retrospective, cross-sectional study. Setting Department of dentomaxillofacial radiology. Patients/Participants CBCT images of 200 individuals were evaluated: 100 patients with CLP (mean age 13.64 ± 4.32 years) and 100 age- and sex-matched controls (mean age 13.67 ± 4.32 years). Patients with syndromes, maxillofacial trauma, prior orthognathic surgery, or inadequate image quality were excluded. Main Outcome Measures Presence of OMC anatomical variations and nasal cavity airway volume. Results Agger nasi cells were the most common anatomical variation and hypertrophic turbinates were the most frequent pathology in both groups. Haller cells ( p = 0.006) and nasal septal pneumatization ( p = 0.001) were more prevalent in controls. In contrast, paradoxical middle turbinate ( p = 0.015), nasal septal deviation ( p = 0.001), and mucosal thickening ( p = 0.001) were more frequent in CLP. Total nasal cavity airway volume did not differ significantly between groups. Conclusions Individuals with CLP exhibit distinct OMC anatomical patterns compared with controls; however, total nasal cavity volume is not significantly altered. These findings indicate that regional OMC alterations and overall nasal cavity volume represent related but distinct anatomical constructs.