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Otolaryngologists' perceptions of odontogenic maxillary sinusitis
Anthony B Longhini1, Barton F Branstetter, Berrylin J Ferguson
1School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA. longhini.anthony@medstudent.pitt.edu
The Laryngoscope
|May 31, 2012
Summary
Odontogenic maxillary sinusitis (OMS) is common but often misdiagnosed. This survey reveals otolaryngologists recognize OMS as a frequent cause of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) and advocate for increased awareness and diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Radiology
- Dental Medicine
Background:
- Odontogenic maxillary sinusitis (OMS) is a frequent cause of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS).
- OMS is often overlooked by clinicians and radiologists, and infrequently mentioned in rhinosinusitis guidelines.
- This study addresses the need to assess healthcare professionals' perceptions of OMS.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate otolaryngologists' (ENTs) perceptions regarding the incidence, diagnosis, and treatment of OMS.
- To compare perceptions between general otolaryngologists and rhinologists.
- To highlight the importance of considering dental pathology in sinusitis cases.
Main Methods:
- A survey was administered to 93 board-certified otolaryngologists in the United States.
- The survey included 17 questions on CRS etiologies, alternative diagnoses, and radiologic findings.
- Responses were analyzed and compared between general otolaryngologists and rhinologists.
Main Results:
- Both general otolaryngologists and rhinologists identified odontogenic sources as common causes of maxillary sinusitis.
- Surveyed physicians reported treating an average of 2.9 patients annually with initially misdiagnosed OMS.
- A majority of otolaryngologists perceived that radiologists rarely report dental pathology on sinus CT scans.
Conclusions:
- Otolaryngologists recognize OMS as a common condition, despite frequent initial misdiagnosis.
- Increased awareness is expected to prompt radiologists and otolaryngologists to scrutinize sinus CT scans for dental pathology.
- Clinicians should suspect OMS in refractory purulent maxillary CRS, even with a negative dental workup.
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