Paranasal Sinus Aplasia: Developmental Anatomy, Radiologic Features, And Associated Conditions
Özet
Paranasal sinus aplasia is a rare developmental anomaly characterized by the complete absence of pneumatization in one or more paranasal sinuses. Development of the maxillary, ethmoid, sphenoid, and frontal sinuses begins during fetal life and continues through childhood and adolescence; disruption at different stages of this process may result in aplasia involving a single sinus group, combined aplasia, or total aplasia. Frontal sinus aplasia is relatively more common, whereas sphenoid and maxillary sinus aplasia are less frequent. Ethmoid sinus aplasia is exceptionally rare and is reported mainly as part of combined or total aplasia. Computed tomography and cone-beam computed tomography are the principal imaging methods for distinguishing aplasia from hypoplasia, chronic sinusitis, sinus opacification, and similar radiologic appearances. Accurate recognition of these anatomic variants is important for radiologic interpretation and for the safety of endoscopic sinus surgery and transsphenoidal procedures. Paranasal sinus aplasia may also occur in association with primary ciliary dyskinesia, craniofacial syndromes, skeletal and metabolic disorders, and certain dental and craniofacial anomalies.
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