Inferomedially projecting pneumatised secondary middle turbinate

Eur J Radiol. 2002 Jul;43(1):42-4. doi: 10.1016/s0720-048x(01)00447-8.

Abstract

Secondary middle turbinate (SMT), a rare variation of the nasal cavity, is a bony projection covered by soft tissue that arises from the lateral nasal wall. It is almost always bilateral and usually projects superomedially without any ostiomeatal unit obstruction. Herein, we report a case of bilateral inferomedially projecting secondary middle turbinates, one of which is pneumatised and hypertrophied, resembling a large ethmoid bulla extending into the middle meatus. The recognition of this variation is important since it may predispose to inflammatory sinus disease, by narrowing the ostiomeatal unit.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Hypertrophy
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Turbinates / abnormalities*
  • Turbinates / diagnostic imaging