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CT Scan and Airway Reconstruction
The CT scan shows a significant septal deviation towards the patient left nostril. Most nasal cavities naturally present septal deviations (up to 80%) where most of which are asymptomatic.
However, when septal deviations are near the nose tip and of significant nature, airflow is significantly or as in this case completely obstructed.
The absence of the air passage is seen from airway the reconstruction that is missing the airflow inlet at the left nostril.
In addition, multiple synechia are visible. Nasal synechiae are shown as holes in the airway reconstruction. These appear as missing parts of the reconstructed airway where air cannot flow.
Healthy right airway
Obstructed left airway
Left Airway
Right Airway
Airflow Distribution
Airflow on the left airway is absent.
The right airway is well ventilated. The inferior meatus is ventilated on average by 2L/min of air. The middle meatus is ventilated by 3L/min of air, and the superior meatus is ventilated by 2L/min of air.
Airflow is well distributed and a total flowrate of 7L/min is achieved.
No Airflow
0.0 L/min < Airflow < 0.5 L/min
0.5 L/min < Airflow < 1.5 L/min
3.5 L/min < Airflow < 5.0 L/min
1.5 L/min < Airflow < 3.5 L/min
5.0 L/min < Airflow < 7.0 L/min
7.0 L/min < Airflow
Airflow Pressure
There is a gradual decrease in pressure between the nostrils and pharynx in the right cavity. The pressure decrease is greater than normal as the pressure drop is not compensated by airflow from the left cavity.
As no airflow is present, in the left cavity pressure does not change and equals -14Pa throughout.
Airflow Velocity
Velocity is within normal parameters.
A slight flow acceleration is experienced in the region of the right nasal valve due to slight area reduction.
Airflow velocity is 0m/s in the left cavity due to the absence of airflow.
Airflow Temperature
There is a gradual increase in temperature between the nostrils and pharynx in the right cavity.
As no airflow is present, in the left cavity temperature remains approximately constant at 35°C.
Airflow humidity
There is a gradual decrease in humidity between the nostrils and pharynx in the right cavity. This is because warm air can hold more water in the gaseous state. This causes percentage humidity to decrease.
As temperature in the left cavity remains constant at approximately 35°C, humidity also remains constant.