RADIOLOGICAL FEATURES OF THE LOCATION OF CYSTIC FORMATIONS IN THE MAXILLARY SINUS AND THEIR RELATIONSHIP WITH ALVEOLAR BONE PATHOLOGY OF THE UPPER JAW

Abstract

The aim of the study. To study the features of the location of cystic formations in the maxillary sinus based on CT scans and to determine their relationship with the pathology of the upper jaw teeth. Materials and methods. The study involved the analysis of 552 head computed tomography scans of patients referred for examination by an otolaryngologist or dentist. The total number of individuals examined was 552, comprising 44.7% females and 55.3% males, aged 18-74 years. The investigation was conducted using the NewTom GO device with a measurement range of 155-172 mGy/cm±10%, with an error of ±4.24%. Statistical processing of data was carried out using the STATISTICA v.12.6 software. Results. Out of 552 computed tomography images analyzed, 92 images of individual maxillary sinuses (MS) of 79 patients with single cysts were selected. They were divided into two groups. Group 1 involved patients with cysts on the lower wall of MS (n=76). Group 2 included patients with cysts on other walls (n=16). The assessment of the ratio of 4, 5, 6, 7 tooth roots of the upper jaw to the lower wall of the upper jaw showed that the protrusion frequency in Group 1 was significantly higher (42.1%) compared to Group 2 (18.7%). Meanwhile, the average thickness of the bone over these teeth in Group 2 was significantly greater (3.4 ± 1.09 mm) than in Group 1 (1.9 ± 0.92 mm) (p=0.0003). In both patient groups, the greatest thickness was observed over tooth 4, and the smallest over tooth 7. Additionally, in 33.7% of cases, the cyst was associated with involvement of deep structures of the projecting teeth and the spread of inflammation to the lower wall of MS. Conclusions. Among patients referred by an otolaryngologist or dentist for CT examination to radiologically verify pathological processes in the nasal cavity, paranasal sinuses, and the upper jaw teeth, MS cysts were detected in 19.6% of cases, with 83% of them being localized in its lower parts. In patients with cysts located in the lower parts of MS, the roots protruding into the sinus cavity and a thinner layer of bone over them are more frequently observed compared to those where cysts are located in other areas of MS. In patients with cystic formations in the alveolar recess of MS, radiological signs of pathology of the upper jaw teeth are detected in 34% of cases.