Correlation Between Middle Turbinate Histopathology and Computed Tomography Staging in Chronic Rhinosinusitis

In a previous study (Berger el al. Old and new aspects of middle turbinate histopathology. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2009;140:48-54), the investigators reported significant histopathologic changes in the middle turbinate mucosa of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis compared with normal controls. However, patients' mean Lund-MacKay CT score was 6.5±6.7 and were considered as having a relatively limited sinus disease (a score of 1-8). Nine to sixteen was considered as intermediate sinus disease, and 17-24 extensive. No osteomyelitic changes were seen in this study group.

The investigators hypothesize that a comparison between the three groups of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis having limited, intermediate, and extensive sinus disease would show that the higher the CT staging, the greater the histopathologic changes of the middle turbinate. The investigators also expect to find osteomyelitic changes in the middle turbinate of patients with higher CT staging.