ePoster
Presentations Description
Institution: Princess Alexandra Hospital - Queensland, Australia
Concha bullosa refers to pneumatisation of the nasal turbinates, most frequently the middle turbinate. While commonly asymptomatic, large conchae can obstruct nasal airflow and sinus drainage. Posterior extension into the nasopharynx is rare and may mimic other pathologies.
Case:
A 73-year-old male presented with several months of progressive nasal obstruction and snoring. There was no history of epistaxis, anosmia, or previous nasal surgery. Anterior rhinoscopy showed a deviated nasal septum to the left. Nasal endoscopy revealed a large, obstructive mass arising from the left middle turbinate, extending into the choana and nasopharynx.
Imaging:
CT demonstrated an aberrant, pneumatised left middle turbinate. The basal lamella arose normally from the ethmoid but curved posteromedially, positioning the turbinate posterior to the osseous nasal septum within the postnasal space. The lesion measured 16 × 15 × 15 mm and showed peripheral calcification with mucosal thickening.
Anatomy:
The middle turbinate, part of the ethmoid bone, lies lateral to the nasal septum and contributes to the lateral nasal wall and posterior choana. It is a crucial landmark in endoscopic sinus surgery and participates in nasal filtration and humidification.
Embryology:
The turbinates arise from mesenchymal ridges in the lateral nasal wall by the 6th gestational week. Postnatally, pneumatisation of the middle turbinate occurs via anterior ethmoid air cells. Excessive pneumatisation may lead to a concha bullosa, influenced by sinus development and airflow dynamics.
Discussion:
This case highlights a rare anatomical variant, concha bullosa extending into the nasopharynx. Awareness of such variants is essential for accurate diagnosis and surgical planning, as they may mimic neoplastic lesions on imaging.
Speakers
Authors
Authors
Dr Katelyn Steele - , Dr Cameron Grigg - , Dr Patricia O'Gorman -
