Cone Beam Ct In Evaluation Of Chronic Maxillary Sinusitis- A Diagnostic Utility

Abstract

Background- The maxillary bone houses air-filled cavities known as maxillary sinuses. Clinicians often face diagnostic challenges when assessing odontogenic pain originating from this region. Unlike conventional radiographic techniques, cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) enables three-dimensional visualization of the maxillary sinuses, offering enhanced insight into the relationship between dental pathology and sinus alterations. This study aimed to assess morphological changes in the maxillary sinus floor among patients clinically diagnosed with chronic maxillary sinusitis.

Materials And Methodology- This cross-sectional study was conducted between June 2023 and May 2024 in the Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology at Teerthanker Mahaveer Dental College & Research Centre, Moradabad. A total of 25 participants were enrolled, selected based on the presence of unilateral or bilateral symptoms indicative of chronic maxillary sinusitis. Data were compiled and analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), version 21.0, with the Chi-square test applied for statistical evaluation.

Results- The study revealed that the highest proportion of male participants belonged to the 30–39-year age group. Among odontogenic cases, dental pathology emerged as the predominant etiological factor, whereas sinus opacification and chronic infection were most frequently associated with non-odontogenic sinusitis.

Conclusion- Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) provides detailed evaluation of maxillofacial structures, playing a pivotal role in the diagnosis of odontogenic sinus infections. The use of low-dose CBCT facilitates accurate and definitive assessment, thereby enhancing the clinical management of chronic sinusitis. In contrast, conventional two-dimensional imaging may obscure underlying etiologies due to its limited spatial resolution.