The prevalence of frontal sinus aplasia in Mashhad, Northeast of Iran

Introduction: There are various reports of the prevalence of frontal sinus aplasia in different geographical areas and ethnic origins. The size and shape of frontal sinus is different among various populations. This study used CT scan images to investigate the frequency of absence of frontal sinuses in adults of northeastern Iran. Materials and Methods: The present study was performed retrospectively on the axial and coronal CT scans of the paranasal sinuses from a series of ۵۸۸ patients who had referred to CT scan ward of Mashhad Imam Reza hospital without any other sinus pathology. Results: The mean age of patients was ۴۴.۳۹± ۱۹.۴۴ years. Unilateral and bilateral aplasia of frontal sinuses was seen in ۳۶ and ۵۱ patients, respectively. The dominant sinus was in the left side in ۶۸.۲۴% of cases. Conclusion: The lower incidence of frontal sinus aplasia in this particular ethnic and geographical area relative to other populations emphasizes the effect of environmental and genetic factors on the development of frontal sinuses.

Keywords:

Aplasia , Frontal sinus , CT Scan , Prevalence