Accidental Pathological Findings in Asymptomatic Maxillary Sinuses in Patients Referred for Head and Neck Cone‑Beam Computed Tomography: A Cross‑sectional Study Analysis

Background: The aim of the present study was to detect the prevalence of accidental pathological findings in asymptomatic maxillary sinuses in patients referred for head and neck cone‑beam computed tomography (CBCT) examination for varied reasons. Methods: The present cross‑sectional study included a detailed analysis of CBCT scans of ۱۵۰ patients aged between ۱۸ and ۷۰ years reporting for varied dental complaints for detecting accidental pathological findings in maxillary sinuses while the patients did not have any complaint pertaining to sinuses. Results: The findings of the present study revealed ۵۸% patients to have pathological findings in maxillary sinuses while they were asymptomatic for sinuses. Furthermore, the prevalence of mucosal thickening was found in ۲۹.۳% of the patients while ۳۶.۷% patients presented with polypoidal mucosal thickening. Conclusion: Higher prevalence of pathologies in asymptomatic maxillary sinuses found in the present study emphasized significance of a thorough examination of routine dental patients by dento‑maxillofacial radiologists with necessary investigations to be advised in the form of higher imaging modalities like CBCT, if necessary.

Keywords:

Asymptomatic sinuses , cone‑beam computed tomography , pathologic findings , prevalence