Developmental Morphometry of the Paranasal Sinuses in Subjects Aged 1-25 Years: A Computed Tomography Study

The present study aimed to evaluate the developmental morphometry of the paranasal sinuses using computed tomography (CT) in subjects aged 1-25 years and to characterize age-related changes in sinus dimensions, volume, and surface area throughout childhood, adolescence, and young adulthood. This retrospective CT-based study included 250 subjects (125 females and 125 males) without radiologic evidence of sinonasal pathology. Bilateral morphometric analyses of the frontal, sphenoid, maxillary, and ethmoid sinuses were performed using multiplanar CT images and three-dimensional reconstructions. Measurements included anteroposterior, mediolateral, and superoinferior diameters, sinus volume, and sinus surface area. Significant age-related differences were identified for all morphometric parameters of the frontal, sphenoid, maxillary, and ethmoid sinuses (all p < 0.05). The frontal sinus demonstrated the latest developmental onset, with no measurable pneumatization during infancy and first detectable development at 5 years of age. In contrast, the maxillary and ethmoid sinuses were identifiable in most subjects during infancy, whereas sphenoid sinus pneumatization was identifiable at 2 years of age. Progressive enlargement of sinus dimensions, volume, and surface area was observed throughout childhood and adolescence, with relative stabilization of most morphometric measurements between the postpubescent and young adult groups. Paranasal sinus morphology demonstrates substantial age-related developmental variation from infancy to young adulthood. These findings provide comprehensive morphometric reference data regarding paranasal sinus maturation and may contribute to improved radiologic interpretation, developmental assessment, and safer surgical planning in pediatric and young adult populations.