Background: The aim of the present study was to detect maxillary sinus abnormalities in asymptomatic patients
using the cone beam computed tomography (CBCT).
Methods: 193 patients were included in the study forming 386 CBCT images for detection of maxillary sinus
abnormalities. The correlation of abnormalities with age, gender, the sinus wall affected and proximity of the lesions
to the floor of maxillary sinus were recorded and analyzed by using mean, standard deviations and Chi-Square tests.
Results: Incidental abnormalities of maxillary sinus were 73%. The mucosal thickening was the most common
abnormality (41.4%) followed by polyps (16%), Increased dimensions of the sinus (10.2%), Decreased dimensions
of the sinus (8.3%). Bubbles inside sinus (8.3%), Partial opacification (8%), Complete opacification (5%).There was
significant difference between the genders. There was a moderate significant relation between classification of
periapical lesions and sinus abnormalities (P-value=0.045). There was no statistically significant difference between
age groups and between the side and sinus abnormalities for CBCT scans.
Conclusion: The higher incidence of maxillary sinus abnormalities among a symptomatic patients denotes that,
the oral radiologists should evaluate the CBCT images with full examination of maxillary sinus and be aware of these
sinus abnormalities. This will lead to early detection, treatment and follow up of sinus abnormalities. |
