Evaluation of maxillary sinus findings in children using CBCT

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Evaluation of the maxillary sinus is usually overlooked in children. The aim of this study was to evaluate incidental findings in the maxillary sinus in a group of children using cone beam computerized tomography (CBCT). METHODS: CBCTs obtained from 74 children (148 sinuses) were retrospectively evaluated by the same dento-maxillo-facial radiologist. Presence of antral septum, pseudocyst, mucosal thickening, and sinusitis were recorded. Involvement of the right and left sinuses, as well as age and gender correlation with the findings was analyzed. RESULTS: Within the age group of 5 to 15, 43 out of 74 subjects revealed different sorts of maxillary sinus findings. Antral septum was the most common (26.9%) finding among all subjects. CONCLUSIONS: Maxillary sinus evaluation is essential for both dentists and pediatricians. CBCT is a novel and advantageous technique to view pathologic lesions and anatomic variations in the maxillary sinus.