Aplasia and Agenesis of the Frontal Sinus in Turkish Individuals: A Retrospective Study Using Dental Volumetric Tomography

Abstract

Agenesis of the paranasal sinuses is an uncommon clinical condition that appears mainly in the frontal (12%) and maxillary (5-6%) sinuses; in some populations, it appears at a higher proportion. This study investigated the prevalence of agenesis of the frontal sinuses using dental volumetric tomography (DVT) in Turkish individuals. The frontal sinuses of 410 patients were examined by DVT scans in the coronal planes for evidence of the absence of the frontal sinuses. A bilateral and unilateral absence of the frontal sinuses was seen in 0.73% and 1.22% of cases, respectively. In one case, both agenesis and aplasia of the frontal sinus was seen (0.24%). The low percentage of frontal sinus agenesis must be considered during pre-surgical planning related to the sinuses. DVT may be used as a diagnostic tool for the examination of frontal sinus aplasia.

Association between frontal sinus development and persistent metopic suture

“…There are publications suggesting the persistent metopic suture was associated with the absence of frontal sinus; however, none of them are based on a scientific work or explanation [2,6]. Since the plain X-ray exams are not as sensitive as the CT and MRI studies, correct results from the investigations related to skull anatomy can be obtained from the CT and MRI scans, or from the autopsy material and cadavers only.…”

“…Many factors related to abnormal frontal sinus development are mentioned in literature, such as gender or ethnic groups [6,8]. Persistent metopic suture is one of these factors [7,20,28].…”

The Effect of Nasal Septal Deviation on Frontal and Maxillary Sinus Volumes and Development of Sinusitis

“…Many factors related to frontal sinus development such as age, ethnic groups, hormones, craniofacial configuration, climatic conditions, and local inflammations are mentioned in literature. [26][27][28][29] The studies in the literature are mostly about the maxillary sinuses. But we have not come across with any study investigating the effects of septal deviation on the frontal sinus volumes.…”

Bilateral aplasia of paranasal sinuses

“…Embryological abnormalities, syndromic diseases, recurrent paranasal sinus infections and trauma are all possible causative factors. Maxillary and/or frontal sinus aplasia or hypoplasia are more common than the other types [1]. Most cases are asymptomatic and diagnosed incidentally.…”