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[Normal pneumatization time of paranasal sinuses in 799 children: evaluation with magnetic resonance imaging]
Yan-xu Ma1, Wen-juan Zhang, Zhi-han Yan
1Department of Radiology, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical College, Wenzhou 325000, China.
Insights
Paranasal sinus pneumatization begins earlier than previously thought, with ethmoidal sinuses pneumatizing first in newborns. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is effective for observing this process in children.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Pediatric Imaging
- Anatomy
Context:
- Paranasal sinus development is crucial for pediatric respiratory health.
- Accurate timing of sinus pneumatization aids in diagnosing and managing sinonasal diseases in children.
- Previous studies on sinus pneumatization timing have limitations.
Purpose:
- To determine the initial onset of paranasal sinus pneumatization using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
- To establish a reference for the timing of sinus pneumatization in children aged 0-15 years.
- To inform the diagnosis and treatment of pediatric sinonasal diseases.
Summary:
- Retrospective MRI review of 799 children (0-15 years) analyzed paranasal sinus pneumatization.
- Ethmoidal sinuses were universally the first to pneumatize in newborns.
- Maxillary, sphenoid, and frontal sinuses showed progressive pneumatization, with frontal sinuses being the last.
Impact:
- Findings suggest initial pneumatization occurs earlier than previously documented.
- MRI is a valuable tool for assessing paranasal sinus development in pediatric populations.
- This study provides updated normative data for pediatric sinus pneumatization, aiding clinical practice.
Objective:
To evaluate the onset of initial pneumatization of paranasal sinuses with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and provides references in the diagnosis and treatment of pediatric paranasal sinuses disease.
Methods:
The MRI images of paranasal sinuses were retrospectively reviewed for 799 children of 0 month to 15 years old and the first pneumatization time of paranasal sinuses were analyzed.
Results:
The ethmoidal sinuses was the first pneumatized in 100% (46/46) of newborn children. And 45.7% (21/46) of maxillary sinuses showed pneumatization during the first month of life and 97.8% (45/46) were pneumatized at 7 - 12 months. The pneumatized sphenoid sinuses was first identified as early as 4 months. And 86% (43/50) were pneumatized from 1 to 2 years old. Frontal sinuses was the last pneumatized paranasal sinuses. And 8% (4/50) of frontal sinuses were pneumatized at 1 - 2 years old and 97.8% (42/43) showed pneumatization at 14 - 15 years old.
Conclusion:
MRI may be used to observe the pneumatization of paranasal sinuses. The initial pneumatization time of paranasal sinuses is earlier than previously described.
