Relationship of the accessory maxillary ostium to mucosal thickening and maxillary sinus cysts: a 3D segmentation study

Abstract

Objectives. We aimed to investigate the relationship between the presence of the accessory maxillary ostium (AMO) with mucosal thickening (MT) and maxillary sinus cysts (MSCs). Study Design. This single-center retrospective study included patients who underwent paranasal sinus computed tomography (CT) between November 2022 and February 2023. We excluded patients with natural maxillary ostium (NMO) occlusion. Two radiologists evaluated the presence of AMOs, MT, and MSCs in CT images and measured their dimensions using a three-dimensional volumetric analysis program. Results. We included 125 patients (mean age: 36.47 +/- 16.0 years; male/female: 67/58). In total, 65 patients (52%) had single or multiple AMOs. No significant relationship was found between the presence of an AMO and the presence of MT on either side (P >= .306). There was a statistically significant difference between the presence of an AMO and MSC on the right side (P = .002), but not on the left side (P = .477). The diameter of the AMO and the distance from the AMO to the maxillary sinus floor were not correlated with mucosal thickness or MSC volume, but the distance from the AMO to the sinus floor had a small positive correlation with total maxillary sinus volume. Conclusions. The presence of an AMO and its increased diameter may not contribute to ipsilateral maxillary sinusitis in patients whose unilateral or bilateral NMOs are not occluded.