Korean J Oral Maxillofac Radiol.  2009 Dec;39(4):191-194.

Prevalence of incidental paranasal sinus opacification in an adult dental population

• Cho BH
• Jung YH

Abstract

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of sinus opacification among adult dental patients.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Five hundred and sixty-four Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) scans of dental patients over the age of 18 were reviewed for sinus opacification. Opacification was graded as clear, mild, moderate or severe. Patients with any sinus-related signs or symptoms were excluded.
RESULTS
Sinus opacification in one or more sinuses was found in 59.2% of the patients. The sinus opacification was mild in 49.8%, moderate in 8.3%, and severe in 1.1%. The maxillary (37.7%) and ethmoid (37.4%) sinuses were most frequently affected. The prevalence was higher in the older age group and showed a male predomination (p< 0.05).
CONCLUSION
Sinus opacification in asymptomatic adults is very common and emphasizes the importance of clinical correlation before deciding on the final diagnosis and treatment.

Keyword

Adult; Cone-Beam Computed Tomography; Sinusitis

MeSH Terms

Adult
Cone-Beam Computed Tomography
Humans
Male
Prevalence
Sinusitis