Is palatal cavity volume affected by maxillary sinus pathologies? A CBCT study

Area of Science:

• Dental Anatomy and Physiology
• Radiology and Imaging
• Otorhinolaryngology

Background:

• Maxillary sinus (MS) pathology can influence adjacent anatomical structures.
• Understanding the relationship between MS conditions and palatal volume is crucial for diagnosis and treatment planning.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effect of maxillary sinus (MS) pathology on palatal cavity volume using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT).
• To determine if maxillary sinus ostium (MSO) status correlates with palatal volume.

Main Methods:

• CBCT imaging was used to assess palatal volume in 188 participants (95 female, 93 male).
• Maxillary sinus (MS) pathology and maxillary sinus ostium (MSO) status were recorded.
• Palatal volumes were measured using ITK-SNAP software; statistical significance was set at p<0.05.

Main Results:

• A significant difference in palatal volume was observed between genders (p=0.001).
• Maxillary sinus (MS) pathology was present in 60.6% of individuals, with mucosal hypertrophy being the most common finding.
• Palatal volume was significantly higher when the maxillary sinus ostium (MSO) was closed (p=0.000).
• MS pathology positively explained 38.6% of the variance in palatal volume (R² = 0.386).

Conclusions:

• Maxillary sinus (MS) pathologies significantly affect palatal cavity volume.
• Increased palatal cavity volume is associated with the presence of MS pathologies and closed maxillary sinus ostia (MSO).