Role of computed tomography in the assessment of anatomical variations of maxillary sinus

Abstract

Background: Maxillary sinus shows normal anatomical variations and it is important to know about them. Evaluating maxillary sinus and identifying its variations on computed tomography not only detects the different variations but also helps in planning and guiding various sinus surgery and preventing possible complications.Purpose: Aim of this study was to detect anatomical variations of maxillary sinuses in patients using Multi-detector Computed Tomography.Materials and Methods: Paranasal sinuses of 56 patients who were subjected to Computerised Tomography of Paranasal Sinus with CT (Seimens 16 slice Somatomscope) machine were studied.Results: A total Para Nasal Sinuses of total 56 patients were studied. Out of which only 33 patients had maxillary sinus variations. Among accessory ostia of maxillary sinus was the commonest anatomical variation and was seen in 14(25%) of cases. Hyper pneumatization of maxillary sinus was detected in 12 cases (21.4%) and maxillary antral septa were found in 7 cases (12.5%).Conclusion: Accurately assess the maxillary sinus on Computed Tomography and to determine the various anatomical variations of the same so as to differentiate pathological lesions from an anatomical variation and avoiding unnecessary surgical explorations and complications.