What are the risk factors for maxillary sinus pathologies? A CBCT study

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Otolaryngology
• Radiology

Background:

• Anatomic variations in the maxillary sinus can impede airflow and predispose to pathologies.
• Microorganisms from infected periapical tissues can spread to the maxillary sinus, causing disease.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between maxillary sinus septa, concha bullosa, nasal septal deviation, and periapical dental lesions with maxillary sinus pathologies.
• To identify risk factors for the development of maxillary sinus pathologies.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 200 cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans.
• Assessment for maxillary sinus septa, concha bullosa, nasal septal deviation, periapical lesions, and sinus pathologies (mucosal thickening > 2 mm).
• Logistic regression analysis to determine risk factors.

Main Results:

• Maxillary sinus pathologies were observed in 46.2% of the sinuses.
• Maxillary sinus septa, concha bullosa, and nasal septal deviation were not significant risk factors (p > 0.05).
• Apical lesions adjacent to the maxillary sinus increased pathology risk by 5.24 times on the right and 4.67 times on the left (p < 0.001).

Conclusions:

• Periapical dental pathology is a significant risk factor for maxillary sinus pathologies.
• Maintaining healthy teeth adjacent to the maxillary sinus is essential for preventing sinus issues.