Comparison of anatomical abnormalities in patients with limited and diffuse chronic rhinosinusitis.

Background: The role of anatomical abnormalities in the pathogenesis of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) remains unclear. We hypothesized that anatomical abnormalities causing obstruction of mucus drainage would be more prevalent in patients with limited CRS than in patients with pansinusitis, who are more likely to have a generalized mucosal abnormality.

Methods: The computed tomography (CT) scans of patients with limited sinusitis (maxillary sinus and/or the ostiomeatal unit), patients with diffuse bilateral disease, and asymptomatic controls were studied.