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‘Conchae bullosis’: a rare case with bilateral triple turbinate pneumatisations

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  20 November 2012

O Ozturan ,
A Yenigun ,
N Degirmenci  and
F Yilmaz
O Ozturan
Affiliation:
Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Bezmiâlem Vakif University, Istanbul, Turkey
A Yenigun*
Affiliation:
Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Bezmiâlem Vakif University, Istanbul, Turkey
N Degirmenci
Affiliation:
Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Bezmiâlem Vakif University, Istanbul, Turkey
F Yilmaz
Affiliation:
Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Bezmiâlem Vakif University, Istanbul, Turkey
*
Address for correspondence: Dr Alper Yenigun, Otorhinolaryngology Clinic, Karaman State Hospital, 1 Turgut Özal St, Karaman, Turkey Fax: +90 338 226 33 09 E-mail: alperyenigun@gmail.com
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Abstract

Background:

Concha bullosa is the pneumatisation of intranasal conchae (usually the middle turbinate, and rarely the inferior or superior turbinate); however, the term is generally used to describe aeration of the middle concha. Superior concha bullosa is a rare finding, and only a few cases of inferior concha bullosa have been reported in the medical literature. When symptomatic, concha bullosa may cause various problems including nasal congestion, headache, postnasal drip, anosmia and, sometimes, epiphora.

Methodology:

Computed tomography, following history-taking and physical examination, is a valuable tool in diagnosing turbinate pneumatisation. This article presents a very rare case with bilateral triple conchae pneumatisations.

Results:

The symptomatology, diagnosis and treatment options for cases of multiple concha bullosa are discussed. The surgical interventions performed in the presented case are briefly described.

Conclusion:

The presented patient had pneumatisation of all six turbinates. In such cases, we propose that this condition be termed ‘conchae bullosis’ rather than ‘conchae bullosa’, in a similar fashion to the use of nasal polyposis as the plural form of nasal polyp.

Keywords

AnatomyNasal CavityNasal SinusesTurbinatesComputed Tomography
Type
Clinical Records
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 127 , Issue 1 , January 2013 , pp. 73 - 75
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 2012

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