Role of Computed Tomography Findings in the Quest of Understanding Origin of Antrochoanal Polyp

Aetio pathogenesis of antrochoanal polyp (ACP) remains unclear. Correlation of clinical, computed tomography (CT) and histopathological findings is attempted in this study for understanding of their origin. A retrospective chart and image review of 22 patients having ACP was done for clinical, histopathological and CT findings on affected and non affected side for extent of opacificattion, thickness of alveolar bone (AB) in the region of medial wall and the floor of maxillary sinus. Also, widening of accessory ostium was measured and compared. The mean of average thickness of AB medially on affected side was [30.91/11.27] [mean (mm)/SD)] compared to non affected side [55.60/20.74] p = 0.0001 (p < 0.05). The vertical AB thickness at floor on affected side [34.05/14.69] versus [68.14/35.29] p = 0.0001. Ipsilateral side accessory ostium widening on affected was measuring [91.45/57.00] against [55.32/38.96] p = 0.018. The additional CT findings in present study showed reduction in thickness of AB in the medial part and floor of maxillary sinus region. These findings to our knowledge have not been reported in the literature till date. The reduction in bone thickness of AB substantiates theory of antral cyst in origin of ACP. However, their association with embryonic dental lamellae needs further evaluation.