Chronic sinusitis-associated antrolith

Abstract

An antrolith is a calcified mass found in the nasal cavity or sinus, usually maxillary, described in literature as a rare phenomenon. Its presenting symptoms are variable and include symptoms associated with chronic sinusitis. We describe a 66 year old man with chronic sinusitis who presented with facial pain and epistaxis and upon further evaluation was found to have an antrolith of the left maxillary sinus.

Maxillary Antroliths: A Digital Panoramic-based Study

“…Maxillary antroliths (MAs) are calcified masses found in the maxillary sinus and result from the deposition of mineral salt around a foreign body (exogenous origin) or stagnant mucus (endogenous origin) [1,2]. Generally asymptomatic, MAs are rare entities detected accidentally on radiographic examinations (panoramic radiographs, computed tomography [CT], cone beam computed tomography [CBCT], etc.)…”

“…Generally asymptomatic, MAs are rare entities detected accidentally on radiographic examinations (panoramic radiographs, computed tomography [CT], cone beam computed tomography [CBCT], etc.) [1][2][3][4]. In some cases, clinical symptoms such as facial pain, purulent and/or blood discharge, buccoantral communication, and others may be present [2,5- .…”

“…In some cases, clinical symptoms such as facial pain, purulent and/or blood discharge, buccoantral communication, and others may be present [2,5- . Moreover, chronic sinusitis may result from infection around MAs [2,3,7]. Adversely, other studies suggest that chronic sinusitis can be behind the development of MAs as chronic infection can promote the deposition of mineral salts in the affected region [2,8].…”

“…Moreover, chronic sinusitis may result from infection around MAs [2,3,7]. Adversely, other studies suggest that chronic sinusitis can be behind the development of MAs as chronic infection can promote the deposition of mineral salts in the affected region [2,8]. Furthermore, MAs have also been found in sinuses infected by Aspergillus fumigatus [3].…”

“…Radiographically, MAs are described as faintly to extremely radiopaque masses embedded within the maxillary sinus. They are irregular, well-defined, and of different sizes and forms [2,3,7]. Their radiological differential diagnosis may include radiopacities located in the maxillary sinus such as residual root fragments, osteogenic (osteomas) and odotogenic lesions (cementoma), periapical condensing osteitis, and calcified neoplasms [4].…”