Pediatric paranasal sinuses-Development, growth, pathology, & functional endoscopic sinus surgery

Area of Science:

• Anatomy
• Developmental Biology
• Pediatric Otolaryngology

Background:

• Paranasal sinuses (maxillary, frontal, ethmoid, sphenoid) are complex anatomical structures.
• Their development and growth are studied using cadaveric analysis and advanced imaging.
• Understanding normal pediatric sinus development is key to identifying pathological impacts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the embryology and development of pediatric paranasal sinuses.
• To highlight conditions affecting sinus development.
• To discuss the clinical relevance of sinus anatomy and growth periods, especially concerning functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS).

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on paranasal sinus development.
• Analysis of various investigation methods, including cadaveric studies and 3D imaging.
• Examination of conditions impacting sinus development.

Main Results:

• Normal pediatric paranasal sinus development is essential for identifying deviations.
• Conditions like cystic fibrosis, chronic sinusitis, deviated nasal septum, and cleft lip/palate can affect sinus development.
• Functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) is increasingly common, underscoring the need for anatomical knowledge.

Conclusions:

• Knowledge of normal pediatric paranasal sinus development and growth patterns is clinically important.
• While FESS is prevalent, evidence linking it to significant negative impacts on facial growth or symmetry is limited.
• Further research may be needed to fully elucidate the long-term effects of FESS on facial development.