ABSTRACT
Objective: This study aims to evaluate the sexual dimorphism of maxillary sinuses (MS) using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Method: A total of 80 CBCT scans were taken from Peruvian patients aged between 20 and 70 years-old. The dimensions (length, width, and height) of the MS were measured and evaluated. The data were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test with a significance level of p < 0.05. Results: The left MS was wider than the right MS. Meanwhile, the right MS was longer than the left MS. In addition, the height of the right and left MS was significantly different in males and females, with p-value of 0.003 and 0.044 respectively. Bigger dimension of height of the MS was found in patients aged between 30 and 39 as well as patients aged between 40 and 49, whereas smaller dimension of height of the MS was found in patients aged between 60 and 70. Furthermore, the height of the right MS was significantly different in dentate and edentulous patients, with p-value of 0.033 and 0.043 respectively. The height of the right MS was predicted at 65 % in males and 70 % in females (p = 0.002). Conclusion: The morphometry of the maxillary sinuses can be used for predicting sexual dimorphism.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Today, there are several diagnostic methods to determine the exact size and nature of periapical lesions. Furthermore, there are studies that described thickening of the mucous membrane of the maxillary sinus (MS) in patients with periapical lesions and demonstrated a causal relation. AIMS: This study aims to evaluate the morphological variations of the MS floor (MSF) adjacent to chronic periapical lesions in molars and premolars using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). METHODS: Twenty-five CBCTs with periapical lesions adjacent to maxillary molars and premolars were evaluated. A total of 50 maxillary sinuses were analyzed (12 males and 13 women) taking into account density changes within the sinus cavity. The thickening of the sinus mucosa and the periapical lesions was measured in a caudal-cephalic direction. The axial and sagittal axis was taken as reference on the sagittal and coronal sections. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Chi-square, Fisher exact, and the Mann-Whitney tests were used in this study. RESULTS: A significant association between the size of the periapical lesions (>4 mm) and the presence of MSF affectation was found on sagittal and coronal views (P < 0.001). No significant differences between the presence or absence of periapical lesions and the thickening of the sinus mucosa were found (P = 0.241). The presence of opacification on the MS had no direct associations with the periapical lesions. CONCLUSIONS: Maxillary sinus floor affectation was associated with chronic periapical lesions >4 mm. The opacification or thickening of the sinus mucosa was not related with the periapical lesions.
