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Volume 11, Issue 3 (9-2026)                   J Res Dent Maxillofac Sci 2026, 11(3): 242-250 | Back to browse issues page

Ethics code: IR.ZUMS.REC.1403.187

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Aghmasheh F, Hekmat B, Mozafar A. Association between Anatomical Variations of the Osteomeatal Complex and Pathological Conditions of the Maxillary Sinus on Cone-Beam Computed Tomography Images. J Res Dent Maxillofac Sci 2026; 11 (3) :242-250
URL: http://jrdms.dentaliau.ac.ir/article-1-1464-en.html
1- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, School of Dentistry, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran.
2- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, School of Dentistry, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran. , bahar_hekmat70@yahoo.com
Abstract:   (11 Views)
Background and Aim: The osteomeatal complex (OMC) plays a critical role in the ventilation and drainage of the paranasal sinuses, particularly the maxillary sinus. Anatomical variations in this region may predispose individuals to impaired drainage and development of various pathologies. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between anatomical variations of the OMC and maxillary sinus pathology using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).   
Materials and Methods: This analytical cross-sectional study evaluated 249 CBCT scans of the sinonasal region of patients referred to the Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology Department of Zanjan Dental School during 2023-‌2024. All scans were assessed for the presence of anatomical variations in the OMC and pathological findings in the maxillary sinuses. Statistical analysis was performed using the Chi-square test, odds ratios (OR), and post-hoc power analysis, with a significance level set at 0.05.   
Results: The findings revealed a significant association between the presence of nasal septal deviation (NSD) and the presence of mucosal thickening (P=0.03, OR=1.83). Additionally, the presence of pneumatized uncinate process (P=0.03, OR=6), atelectatic uncinate process (P=0.02, OR=6.8), and Haller cells (P=0.01, OR=2.9) had a significant association with the occurrence of sinus polyps. Other anatomical variations investigated did not demonstrate a statistically significant relationship with maxillary sinus pathologies (P>0.05). Furthermore, the prevalence of mucosal thickening was significantly higher in males compared to females (P=0.03).
Conclusion: Certain anatomical variations of the OMC may contribute to the dysfunction of the maxillary sinus and development of pathological conditions such as polyps.
 
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Type of Study: Original article | Subject: Radiology

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