Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction and Frequency of Agger Nasi Cell and other Anatomical Field Variations: A Controlled Study in Northern Iran

Abstract

In this study, we aimed to find the frequency of agger nasi cells (ANC) and their correlation with other anatomical anomalies in dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) candidates, compared with a control group. The study was conducted on 42 patients with nasolacrimal duct obstruction who underwent DCR surgery. Also, 80 C.T. of healthy sex- and age-matched subjects were selected as the control group. Paranasal sinuses computed tomography scanning was performed preoperatively, and abnormalities including ANC, concha bullosa, osteomeatal complex disease (OMC), nasal septum deviation, and polyposis were investigated and registered. Radiologic findings showed ANC presence in 83.3% of cases, and frequency of concha bullosa was 23.8%, and OMC disease, septal deviation, and nasal polyposis recorded as 11.9%, 85.7%, and 14.3%, respectively. In the control group, ANC was found in 52 subjects (65%), and the difference was statistically significant (P=0.036). There was no significant correlation between the presence of ANC and the coexistence of other mentioned anatomical changes as attributing factors for NLD obstruction. The frequency of ANC was much higher in patients with NLD obstruction compared with the control group, but its association with other anomalies was non-significant.

Keywords

• Agger nasi cells
• Nasolacrimal duct obstruction
• Dacryocystorhinostomy