Morphometric relationship of nasolacrimal duct with maxillary sinus and nasal septum

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the morphometric properties of the bony part of the nasolacrimal duct and its relationship with nasal septum and maxillary sinus. Methods: High resolution three-dimensional paranasal sinus computed tomography images of 115 individuals (39 women, 76 men) with a mean age of 39.08 years (min: 20, max: 79) were evaluated retrospectively. Individuals with any pathology, trauma or history of surgery were excluded from the study. Volume of bony nasolacrimal duct and maxillary sinus was calculated with free licensed Osirix Lite software. Nasal septum was evaluated according to MLADINA classification. Results: Volume of maxillary sinus was higher in men while volume of bony nasolacrimal duct had no significant differences between genders. There was significant correlation between maxillary sinus volume and anteroposterior cranial distance, however volume of bony nasolacrimal duct had no significant correlation with anteroposterior cranial distance. Relation between volume of maxillary sinus and bony nasolacrimal duct was significant. The nasal septum deviation had no effect on volume of maxillary sinus and bony nasolacrimal duct. Conclusion: A detailed knowledge on morphometric relationship of nasolacrimal duct with maxillary sinus and nasal septum is important for physicians during sinus surgeries and treatment of nasolacrimal duct obstructions. We suggest that there is a significant correlation between volume of maxillary sinus and bony nasolacrimal duct. This information may be useful for explaining one of the etiological factors of acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction.