Prevalence of Incidental Findings in Maxillary Sinus Using Cone Beam Computed Tomography – A Retrospective Study Download PDF

Maxillary sinus pathologies and normal variations in the sinus anatomy can result in complications during surgical interventions. Hence, maxillofacial radiologists should be knowledgable regarding thes radiographic findings poiting to pathologies/variationss.

To study the prevalence of various incidental findings in the maxillary sinus region using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). This was a retrospective- cross sectional study. CBCT scans of sixty patients who have been advised radiographs exclusively for dental complaints were retrospectively collected and examined for maxillary sinus pathologies. Their frequencies as well as unilateral/ bilateral involvement were recorded and analyzed. The most prevalent incidental finding of the maxillary sinus was mucosal thickening followed by septations. Few cases presented with infrequent findings like sinus floor discontinuity and root canal sealant inside the sinus. Significant maxillary sinus pathologies may present without any associated symptoms. Hence, oral radiologists examining CBCT scans should mandatorily evaluate the entire volume of the scan and any abnormal finding must be identified and reported to the clinician.