Computed Tomography Description of the Uncinate Process Angulation in Patients With Cystic Fibrosis and Comparison With Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia, Nasal Polyposis, and Controls.

Background:: There is a medial bulging of the lateral nasal wall in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF).

Aims:: Uncinate process (UP) angulation measurements in patients and controls to objectify this bulging.

Materials And Methods:: Thirty CF, 17 primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD), 13 chronic rhinosinusitis with polyps (CRSwp), and 30 controls were included. Angles were measured bilaterally on computed tomography (CT) scans: A, B, C on coronal sections, D and E on axial sections. Angle A was between the UP and the orbit inner wall, whereas the others were between UP and midline.

Results:: There was no significant difference between controls, PCD, and CRSwp. However, CF had 3 statistically different angles with controls, 5 with CRSwp, and 4 with PCD. Angle A average value was 126° (±16°) in patients with CF, 138° (±19°) in controls ( P = .007), 145° (±15°) in PCD ( P = .001), and 138° (±14°) in CRSwp ( P = .001). Angle E average value was 35° (±10°) in patients with CF, 20° (±6°) in controls ( P < .001), 21° (±4°) in PCD ( P < .001), and 22° (±6°) in CRSwp ( P < .001).

Conclusion:: Uncinate process's anatomy is only modified in CF: Angle between UP and inner wall of orbit is closed, and angles between UP and midline are opened.

Significance:: These measures quantify the medial bulging of lateral nasal wall and support nasofibroscopic observations.