Antrolithiasis: a retrospective study

Abstract

In this retrospective study, the computed tomography (CT) archives of paranasal sinus examinations were reviewed and three cases of antroliths are presented. The archivesof paranasal sinus CT studies of 1957 patients (1023 females, 934 males, mean age 36.5 years) were surveyed. CT studies were performed using 3 mm collimation and interval in the coronal, axial or both coronal and axial planes.Three out of 1957 patients demonstrated antroliths, all in the left maxillary sinus. Associated sinusitis was detected in all three patients. Only one patient was operated. The chemical analysis of the antrolith revealed it to be a calcium oxalate stone. All the relevant literatureis reviewed and only 25 other cases of true antrolithiasis were encountered. The clinical and radiological features of antroliths,as well as differential diagnosis were discussed.Antrolithiasis should be considered in any case of sinusitis, that does not respond to appropriate medical therapy.