New case of concha bullosa from Bronze Age Iberia (Granada, Spain).

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to expand knowledge of Concha bullosa in a prehistoric population.

MATERIALS: The skull of an adult female from the Bronze Age archeological site ofCastellón Alto (Granada, Spain), dated between 1900 and 1600 BCE.

METHODS

The diagnosis of middle turbinateconcha bullosa was based on macroscopic, radiographic, and computed tomography studies.

RESULTS

This is one of the oldest findings ofconcha bullosa in Europe. Despite the possible obstruction of the osteomeatal complex by the concha bullosa in this individual, no signs of sinusitis were observed in maxillary sinuses.

CONCLUSIONS

The maxillary sinuses of this female showed no signs of sinusitis related to theconcha bullosa.

SIGNIFICANCE: This study provides new evidence on the chronological limits of this condition. The particular funeral rites of these populations have preserved the majority of skeletons at this site in an excellent condition.

LIMITATIONS: The identification ofconcha bullosa continues to be rare in ancient populations, in part due to the poor preservation of nasal bones in archeological collections. Suggestions for further research: Detailed study of the nasal cavity of adequately preserved individuals can be expected to identify further cases of concha bullosa in ancient populations.