Age-Related Changes in Nasal Cavity Architecture: A Radiological Anthropometry Study Using Axial CT Landmarking

Abstract

The nasal cavity undergoes significant morphological changes throughout life, influenced by craniofacial growth, remodelling, and aging. Understanding these age-related architectural modifications is essential for accurate diagnosis, surgical planning, and forensic identification. However, longitudinal data on nasal cavity dimensions across the lifespan, particularly in African populations, are limited. Objective: This study aimed to investigate age-related changes in nasal cavity architecture using radiological anthropometry based on axial computed tomography (CT) landmarking in a Nigerian population. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted at Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH), Sokoto, Nigeria. A total of 130 head CT scans (84 males, 46 females) were analysed. Subjects were grouped into seven 10-year intervals from 0 to 70 years. Axial CT images were used to measure nine parameters across three regions of the nasal cavity of Anterior: Right and Left Anterior Bony Widths (RABW, LABW), middle: Right and Left Mid Bony Widths (RMBW, LMBW), posterior: Right and Left Posterior Bony Widths (RPBW, LPBW). Measurements were performed using Neusoft Dual Slide Helical CT software. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20. One-way ANOVA was used to assess differences across age groups, and independent t-tests were used for sex comparisons. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: Significant age-related changes were observed in multiple nasal dimensions. ABW (RABW+LABW) increased progressively from childhood, peaking in the 51–60 years group among males (12.85±2.943 mm), followed by a decline in the 61–70 years group (10.44±4.431 mm). The middle nasal cavity (RMBW/LMBW) reached maximum width in the 31–40 years group, with RMBW at 5.05±1.653 mm and LMBW at 4.58±3.651 mm in males. No consistent sexual dimorphism was observed across all age groups, although males generally exhibited larger dimensions. Notably, in the 31–40 years group, males had significantly greater RMBW (p = 0.007) and LMBW (p = 0.047) than females. Bilateral symmetry was preserved across all parameters (p > 0.05). The narrowest segment of the nasal cavity (middle third) was consistently < 4 mm in over 90% of subjects, indicating a high prevalence of anatomical nasal valve narrowing. RPBW and LPBW showed minimal variation across age and sex were symmetrical in all groups (p > 0.05), with no significant lateral differences Conclusion: Nasal cavity architecture undergoes dynamic changes with age, characterized by an initial increase in dimensions during growth, peak values in mid-adulthood, and a subsequent decline in the elderly. While males tend to have larger nasal dimensions, sexual dimorphism is not uniformly present across all age groups. These findings provide essential baseline data for developmental anatomy, surgical planning, and forensic anthropology in the Nigerian and broader West African population.