CT appearance of pneumatized inferior turbinate

AimTo study the computed tomography (CT) features of pneumatized inferior turbinate (PIT).Materials and methodsA retrospective review of paranasal sinus CT over a period of 12 years showed 16 cases of PIT. The pneumatization pattern was analysed according to the classification proposed by Bolger. Pneumatization was classified into three types: bulbous, lamellar, and extensive.ResultsFourteen patients had unilateral and two patients had bilateral pneumatization (n = 18). Seven (39%) of the 18 PIT were bulbous, nine (50%) were lamellar, and two (11%) were of the extensive type. In eight (44%) cases there was communication between the medial wall of the maxillary sinus and the PIT.ConclusionsThe features of PIT can be readily identified on CT. Imaging helps clinicians to differentiate PIT from other causes of the inferior turbinate hypertrophy or complications.