Frontal Sinus Development and Juvenile Age Estimation

Metopism in adult South Africans and its relationship to frontal sinus size

This study documents the incidences of complete and partial metopism and their possible relationship to frontal sinus volume (FSV) in a sample of modern adult black South Africans with a view to evaluating the hypothesis that metopism affects frontal sinus hypoplasia. FSV was measured from CT scans and the incidence of metopism was recorded from direct observations of dried cadaveric crania. The sex of each individual was known. Four linear cranial dimensions were used to compute a geometric mean by which to scale FSV. The incidence of partial metopism (38%) is comparable to that reported for other population samples, although there is considerable variation among these global sample frequencies. It is significantly more common in male than female South Africans. FSV in individuals with complete metopism is smaller than average but not inordinately so. On the other hand, FSV is significantly larger in individuals with partial metopism than in those that do not present with this sutural remnant. The data on FSV in individuals with and without partial metopism contradict the hypothesis that there is a relationship between partial metopism and frontal sinus hypoplasia. As such, the metopic remnant evinced by the Late Pleistocene cranium from Hofmeyr, South Africa is unlikely to be related to its very small FSV.

Comparison of the Paranasal Sinus Features of Paediatric Patients with and Without Cleft Palate: A CBCT Study

OBJECTIVES

This study is performed to compare the paranasal sinus volumes in paediatric unilateral cleft palate (UCP) and healthy patients.

METHODS

Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images of 80 patients (40 boys, 40 girls) with UCP and 80 healthy individuals (40 boys, 40 girls) were evaluated. Paranasal sinus volumes were segmented and measured using ITK-SNAP software. Descriptive statistics, Kolmogorov-Smirnov, paired sample t-test and student t-test were performed for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

The volumes of ethmoid, frontal and sphenoid sinus on the cleft side were not significantly different than the non-cleft side (p>0.05) in UCP patients. Maxillary sinus volume of the cleft side in UCP patients was significantly lower than the non-cleft side (p<0.05). Mean maxillary sinus volume in UCP patients was 11825.23±509.95 mm3 at the cleft side and 13497.85±358.07 mm3 at the non-cleft side. While the mean volumes of ethmoid and sphenoid sinuses of patients with UCP were not significantly different from healthy individuals (p>0.05), the mean volumes of maxillary and frontal sinuses were significantly lower than healthy individuals (p<0.05). The mean maxillary sinus volume in UCP patients was 25323±597.8 mm3 and 26666±874.3 mm3 in the control group. The mean frontal sinus volume in UCP patients was 5633±323.1 mm3 and 5735±315.2 mm3 in the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

UCP caused a significant reduction in maxillary and frontal sinus volumes. The results of the current study show that paranasal sinus volumes in patients with UCP should be examined in more detail to make more risk-free and effective treatment plans.

A cross-sectional study: correlation of forehead morphology and dentoskeletal malocclusion in Chinese people

BACKGROUND

The lateral profile is an important indicator of facial attractiveness. This study explored the general characteristics of the forehead profile and protrusion, and their relationship with related factors in structure and development.

METHODS

Four hundred fourteen Chinese participants in the Yangtze River Delta region were involved. Including 206 males (17.15 ± 7.68 years old) and 208 females (18.35 ± 8.06 years old); 94 children (8.54 ± 2.21 years old, ranging from 4 to 12 years old), 166 adolescents (14.83 ± 1.50 years old, ranging from 13 to 17 years old), and 154 adults (25.52 ± 4.89, 18 years or older). The frontal section of the forehead was used to explore its shape. The straight distance between the vertical line of the FH plane through the nasal root point and its parallel line, which is tangential to the forehead, indicates the forehead prominence. Frontal sinus width was measured using the method described by Mahmood.

RESULTS

The general shape of the forehead was straight and slightly bulged near the eyebrow arch in males but rounder in females. The average forehead protrusion in males was higher than that in females in adults. Significant differences in forehead protrusion between the dentoskeletal classifications and growth phases were notable. Frontal protrusion significantly correlated with frontal sinus depth, especially in males, adults, Class I, and those whose convex points were located in the lower section of the forehead.

CONCLUSIONS

Age, race, and sex affect the forehead protrusion and frontal sinus width. Forehead protrusion may be an indicator of dentoskeletal deformities in the early stage. And dentoskeletal deformities may impair the correlation between the frontal sinuses and forehead protrusion during development.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

This retrospective, cross-sectional study was reviewed and approved by the Research Ethical Committee (T2020008), and registered at ClinicalTrial.gov with an identified number (ChiCTR2100041913).

Sex Estimation From the Paranasal Sinus Volumes Using Semiautomatic Segmentation, Discriminant Analyses, and Machine Learning Algorithms

ABSTRACT

The aims of this study were to determine whether paranasal sinus volumetric measurements differ according to sex, age group, and right-left side and to determine the rate of sexual dimorphism using discriminant function analysis and machine learning algorithms. The study included paranasal computed tomography images of 100 live individuals of known sex and age. The paranasal sinuses were marked using semiautomatic segmentation and their volumes and densities were measured. Sex determination using discriminant analyses and machine learning algorithms was performed. Males had higher mean volumes of all paranasal sinuses than females ( P < 0.05); however, there were no statistically significant differences between age groups or sides ( P > 0.05). The paranasal sinus volumes of females were more dysmorphic during sex determination. The frontal sinus volume had the highest accuracy, whereas the sphenoid sinus volume was the least dysmorphic. In this study, although there was moderate sexual dimorphism in paranasal sinus volumes, the use of machine learning methods increased the accuracy of sex estimation. We believe that sex estimation rates will be significantly higher in future studies that combine linear measurements, volumetric measurements, and machine-learning algorithms.

Sex Determination Using Frontal Sinus Diameters on Direct Radiography

BACKGROUND AND AIM

The shape and developmental stages of the frontal sinus (FS) differ in each individual, it can be used to determine sex and identity. This study aimed to assess the morphological structure of the FS diameters in sex determination using posterioanterior (AP) skull radiography. This data can be valuable for identifying and characterizing human features.

METHODS

The study included 350 patients (171 females, 179 males) aged between 20 and 55 years who underwent AP skull radiography. FSs were classified as symmetrical, asymmetrical, unilateral, or bilateral aplasic. The right and left FS height and width measurements were made based on the largest diameters.

RESULTS

The mean age was 32.8±11.45 years for the whole sample. The mean age of the males was 31.23±11.9 (20-51) years and that of the females was 34.45±10.75 (20-55) years. When classified anatomically, 20 patients had bilateral aplasia (12 males, eight females), 19 patients had right aplasia (10 males, nine females), and 11 patients had left aplasia (seven males, four females). FS was symmetrical in 206 (72.1%) patients while right dominance was observed in 33 (9.43%) patients and left dominance in 61 (17.43%) patients. The FS height and width values on both sides ​​were statistically significantly higher in males than in females (p<0.001 for each parameter). The females were accurately classified at a rate of 71.2% and the males at 68.2%.

CONCLUSION

Notably, our research has revealed that frontal sinus diameters are consistently larger in males than in females, and that direct radiography can be employed for gender determination with an accuracy rate of 69.7%. This information underscores the utility of morphometric evaluation of the frontal sinus diameters on direct radiography for gender and identity determination, potentially in conjunction with other parameters. In conclusion, our study has demonstrated the potential of the morphological structure of the frontal sinuses as a valuable tool for identifying and characterizing human individuals.

Frontal sinus hypoplasia in unoperated older patients with craniosynostosis: a pilot study

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study is to determine whether patients with unoperated craniosynostosis have different frontal sinus pneumatization than unaffected controls.

METHODS

Retrospective review was performed between 2009 and 2020 of previously unoperated patients with craniosynostosis older than 5 years old at first presentation to our institution. Total frontal sinus volume (FSV) was calculated using 3D volume rendering tool in Sectra IDS7 PACS system. Age-matched normative FSV data was collected from 100 normal CT scans for the control group. The two groups were statistically compared using Fisher's exact test and T-test.

RESULTS

Study group included nine patients, 5-39 years old, median age 7 years. Frontal sinus pneumatization was absent in 12% of the normal 7-year-old controls, while frontal sinus pneumatization was absent in 89% of the studied craniosynostosis patients (p < .001). Mean FSV of the study group (113 ± 340 mm3) was significantly different from that of age matched control mean FSV (2016 ± 2529 mm3) (p = .027).

CONCLUSIONS

Frontal sinus pneumatization is suppressed in unreleased craniosynostosis and may be an intracranial space conservation phenomenon. This absent frontal sinus can have implications in future frontal region trauma and frontal osteotomies.

The dimensional and morphological assessment of frontal air sinus in different ages, genders and ethnicities (Arabian-Caucasian and Han-Chinese sub-populations)

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to assess the dimensional and morphological measurements of the frontal air sinuses in different ages and genders in the two ethnicities.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective study included 360 subjects (160 males and 200 females) of both ethnicities. Subjects were divided based on age and gender into four groups, including an equal number of both males and females, for each age and ethnic group. The frontal air sinus dimensions were measured utilizing lateral cephalometric radiographs and computed using Winceph version 9.0 software. The frontal air sinus dimensions were compared between age groups in both genders and between ethnicity using an independent sample t test. The relationship between the frontal air sinus dimensions and subjects' age was evaluated using Pearson's correlation coefficient.

RESULT

The frontal air sinuses measurements were larger in males than females in both ethnicities, except for the frontal sinus index, which was found to be larger in females than males. The frontal air sinus surface area and height showed statistically significant differences between the two age groups in both ethnicities (P < 0.05). The Arabian-Caucasian patients had a larger frontal sinus surface area, height, and depth than the Han-Chinese patients in both age groups.

CONCLUSION

The size of the frontal air sinus increases with age; and continues to expand after the age of 20 years. Based on the Arabian-Caucasian and Han-Chinese sub-population findings, the frontal sinus is an effective tool for determining gender and appears to have potential in ethnicity identification.

Incidental Paranasal Sinus Findings on Computed Tomography Images of Pediatric Patients: A Cross-sectional Prevalence Study

Objectives

The study was conducted to assess the prevalence of incidental paranasal sinus pathologies in children on computed tomography (CT) scans.

Materials and methods

A nonrandomized retrospective study was done on CT scans of 232 pediatric patients taken in the past 6 months duration. These scans were evaluated in different age groups from 0-13 years who had visited or were admitted to the hospital for various other head and neck-related problems. Each scan was examined for incidental pathologic findings in all the paranasal sinuses. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Fisher's exact test to determine non-random associations between variables.

Results

A total of 232 subjects were examined, amongst which 72 (31.03%) had incidental sinus pathologies. Multiple sinus pathologies were found in 36 subjects, 28 had single sinus involvement, and four showed no development of frontal sinus at the age of 11 years. Four subjects had pathology in multiple sinuses as well as no development of frontal sinus at the age of 6-7 years age range.

Conclusion

Sinus pathologies are not unusual in the asymptomatic children population, and the incidence is almost equivalent to that of the adult population. Early identification can aid in diagnosing orofacial pain of unknown origin and also if children are susceptible to upper respiratory tract infections and their secondary effects like sleep apnea, mouth breathers, etc.

How to cite this article

Talwade P, Deshpande PS, Pene S, et al. Incidental Paranasal Sinus Findings on Computed Tomography Images of Pediatric Patients: A Cross-sectional Prevalence Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2023;16(2):292-294.

Pott's Puffy Tumor, a Forgotten Complication of Sinusitis: Report of Two Cases

Pott's puffy tumor (PPT) is a life-threatening complication of infectious sinusitis/osteomyelitis of the frontal bone. It occurs due to infection or trauma and is often seen in late childhood and adolescence. If left untreated for a protracted period, intracranial complications such as epidural abscess, subdural empyema, meningitis, and a cerebral abscess may occur. The diagnosis is often confirmed with CT. Prompt medical and surgical treatment is mandatory as there is the potential for significant morbidity if not quickly diagnosed and treated. This paper presents two cases of PPT manifested in patients with hemi pansinusitis.

Frontal sinuses and human evolution

The frontal sinuses are cavities inside the frontal bone located at the junction between the face and the cranial vault and close to the brain. Despite a long history of study, understanding of their origin and variation through evolution is limited. This work compares most hominin species' holotypes and other key individuals with extant hominids. It provides a unique and valuable perspective of the variation in sinuses position, shape, and dimensions based on a simple and reproducible methodology. We also observed a covariation between the size and shape of the sinuses and the underlying frontal lobes in hominin species from at least the appearance of Homo erectus. Our results additionally undermine hypotheses stating that hominin frontal sinuses were directly affected by biomechanical constraints resulting from either chewing or adaptation to climate. Last, we demonstrate their substantial potential for discussions of the evolutionary relationships between hominin species.

Pediatric Paranasal Sinuses- Development, Growth, Pathology & Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery

The paranasal sinuses (maxillary, frontal, ethmoid, and sphenoid sinuses) are complex anatomical structures. The development and growth of these have been investigated utilizing a number of different methods ranging from cadaveric analysis to modern cross sectional imaging with 3D modeling. An understanding of normal pediatric paranasal sinus embryology and development enables us to better determine when pathology may be affecting the normal developmental process. Cystic fibrosis, chronic sinusitis, deviated nasal septum and cleft lip and palate are some of the conditions which have been shown to effect paranasal sinus development to varying degrees. Functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) is becoming increasingly common and an understanding of sinus anatomy together with when periods of rapid growth occur during childhood is important clinically. Although concerns have been raised regarding the impact of FESS on facial growth, there is limited evidence of this in regards to either changes in anthropomorphic measurements or clinical assessments of symmetry post operatively.

Sex Disparities in Pediatric Acute Rhinosinusitis: A National Perspective

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to provide an age-stratified analysis of associations with patient sex in pediatric inpatients with acute rhinosinusitis (ARS).

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

National administrative database.

METHODS

The 2016 Kids' Inpatient Database was queried for pediatric inpatients (<21 years old) with ARS (ICD-10 J01). Orbital and intracranial sequelae were selected via ICD-10 codes. Statistical associations by sex were determined via univariate and multivariable analyses. Weighted measures are reported to provide national estimates.

RESULTS

Of the 5882 patients identified with ARS, 2404 (40.9%) were female and 3478 (59.1%) were male. Male patients were younger than female patients (mean, 9.3 vs 9.9 years; P < .001). Multivariable analysis indicated that males and females had similar total charges ($71,094 vs $66,892, P = .464) and length of stay (5.8 vs 6.1 days, P = .263). However, male patients underwent more procedures (1.8 vs 1.5, P < .001). Mortality was similar between male and female patients (odds ratio [OR], 0.91; P = .664). Male patients also had increased odds for having orbital (OR, 1.58; P < .001) and intracranial (OR, 1.99; P < .001) complications. Differences in sex-dependent sequela risk were starkest in patients aged 14 to 20 years, with male patients being more likely to have orbital (OR, 2.91; P < .001) and intracranial (OR, 3.86; P < .001) complications.

CONCLUSION

In a cohort of pediatric inpatients with ARS, males have increased odds for orbital and intracranial sequelae and undergo more procedures than females. However, males and females have similar charges and length of stay. Our study highlights age-stratified differences in ARS across patient sex.

Paranasal sinus development and implications for imaging

Because the paranasal sinuses continue to develop throughout childhood, radiologists encounter significant anatomical variation when confronted with pediatric imaging studies. Knowledge of the stages of sinus growth is vital to differentiate normal development from abnormally large, hypoplastic or malformed sinuses. Understanding how the paranasal sinuses develop and their expected appearance at different patient ages is important for accurate interpretation of diagnostic imaging. To that end, we provide a brief review of paranasal sinus anatomy and discuss the mechanisms by which each paranasal sinus develops, as well as the implications for imaging. We also provide a practical guide for assessing normal paranasal sinuses in children based on the relationship of the sinuses to anatomical landmarks at various stages of development in order to help pediatric radiologists provide accurate interpretation of diagnostic imaging.

Resorbable Versus Titanium Hardware for Rigid Fixation of Pediatric Upper and Midfacial Fractures: Which Carries a Lower Risk Profile?

PURPOSE

Titanium associated risks have led to interest in resorbable hardware for open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of pediatric facial fractures. This study aims to systematically review and compare the outcomes of titanium/resorbable hardware used for ORIF of upper/midfacial fractures to determine which hardware carries a higher complication rate in the pediatric patient.

METHODS

Studies published between 1990 and 2020 on the ORIF of pediatric upper/midfacial fractures were systematically reviewed. A retrospective institutional review was also conducted, and both arms were compiled for final analysis. The primary predictor value was the type of hardware used and the primary outcome was the presence of a complication. Fisher's exact test and 2-proportion 2-tailed z-test calculations were used to determine statistical significance, which was defined as a P value < .05. The low quality of published evidence precluded meta-analysis.

RESULTS

Systematic review of 23 studies identified 659 patients, and 77 patients were identified in the institutional review. A total of 736 patients (299 resorbable, 437 titanium) were included in the final analysis. Total complication rate was 22.8%. The titanium group had a higher complication rate (27 vs 16.7%; P < .01), and more often underwent elective hardware removal (87.3 vs 0%, P < .01). In each hardware subgroup, the incidence of complications was analyzed by fracture site. In the titanium group, complication incidence was higher when treating maxillary fractures (32.8 vs 22.9%, P = .03). When comparing the 2 hardware groups by fracture site, maxillary fractures had a higher rate of complications when treated by titanium hardware compared with resorbable hardware (32.8 vs 18%, P < .01).

CONCLUSIONS

Upper/midfacial pediatric fractures requiring ORIF, especially maxillary fractures, may be best treated with resorbable hardware. Additional hardware-specific outcomes data is encouraged.

Frontal sinus as an identity and sex indicator

The present study explores the variability of frontal sinuses volume in modern Greeks and their potential use in the forensic identification process.

METHODS

The sample consisted of 102 CT scan images from a modern Greek population. 50 (49%) were male and 52 (51%) were female. Ages ranged from 19 to 101 (mean age 70.6 for males and 69.6 for females). 3D models of the skull were constructed, and volume calculations of the frontal sinus were done with the software Amira 5.4. 10 CT scans were used to extract 2D frontal and lateral images that were used as proxies of antemortem X-rays which were matched to the CT scans using manual craniofacial superimposition.

RESULTS

The average of frontal sinus volume of male was 9,220 mm³ (±SD) and female was 5,880 mm³ (±SD). Mann-Witney test confirmed that mean values were significantly different (P<0.05) between them. Pearson's correlation coefficient showed no evident correlation between the volumes and ages of the skulls in both groups. Using the lateral and anterior oriented radiographs for matching the sinuses, the method produced 60% sensitivity / 99.32% specificity and 80% sensitivity / 99.97% specificity, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Even though there are statistically significant differences in the shape and volume between sexes, these are not sufficient to be used as an indicator of sex in worldwide populations. The results indicate that using the anterior view of the frontal sinuses is more consistent in human identification, and that the method proves to be reliable, as long as the sinus is adequately observed on the radiograph.

Pott's puffy tumor in a 23-month-old: Youngest known case of a rare disease

This case report describes a child who developed Pott's puffy tumor and was treated at the Children's Mercy Hospital in Kansas City. In addition to a discussion of a case, a review of the literature was completed on this topic describing the typical embryology and development of the frontal sinus, and the epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment of Pott's puffy tumor. The patient was a 23-month-old boy who developed Pott's puffy tumor after recovery from influenza. The patient presented to the hospital with progressing edema of the unilateral eye that spread bilaterally within a few days. A CT scan demonstrated pansinusitis, developed frontal sinuses, right periorbital cellulitis, and medial forehead subperiosteal abscess. Functional endoscopic sinus surgery and transcutaneous abscess drainage were urgently performed and the patient made a full recovery following a course of ertapenem and levofloxacin. The presence of a developed frontal sinus in a 23-month-old is an unexpected radiologic finding. This case represents the youngest patient reported in the literature to develop this rare complication of frontal sinusitis.

Frontal sinus anatomy of the noble Swéerts-Sporck family and verification of their biological relationships using similarity analysis

The evaluation of frontal sinus similarity is one way to detect biological relationships, especially in small groups, including families of historically known personalities. However, possibilities for studying this issue are currently limited. This contribution deals with the frontal sinuses of a rare osteological sample with known genealogical data, members of the noble Swéerts-Sporck family from the 17th to 20th centuries. The aim is to verify whether the frontal sinuses reflect documented family relationships. Basic dimensions of the frontal sinus such as total surface area and volume, and maximum height and width, and also morphology and anatomical features were evaluated using computed tomography scans. The portions of the frontal sinus above the "external supraorbital line" were analyzed. The degree of similarity between biologically related individuals was determined for each variable and compared with their known biological distance. The degree of similarity based on dimensions was evaluated using both the unadjusted measured data and standardized data adjusted to size. For the unadjusted dimensions, a positive correlation between morphological similarity and biological relatedness was apparent. On the other hand, no positive correlation was apparent for most of the standardized data. Only total volume showed a very weak indication of a positive trend in the standardized data, but this was weaker than in the original values. A positive quantifiable relationship between morphological patterns and biological distance is not clearly indicated. However, nonmetric features do support the documented relationships of the individuals.

Intracranial Epidural Abscess in a 9-Year-Old Boy With Precocious Puberty and Use of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure

Intracranial extension of rhinosinusitis is rare in children. We report a 9-year-old immunocompetent boy with central precocious puberty and obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome who developed an intracranial epidural abscess secondary to rhinosinusitis while on continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment. A retrospective review of the medical record and imaging studies was performed. MEDLINE and Cochrane databases were searched for reports of epidural abscess developing in patients receiving CPAP treatment or in patients with precocious puberty. Intracranial extension of frontal rhinosinusitis is more common during puberty probably because of the active growth of the frontal sinuses and their rich blood supply. Controlled studies show no increase with rhinosinusitis in adults on CPAP; no published studies assess intracranial extension of rhinosinusitis in CPAP use. Patients with unexplained, severe headache and fever following CPAP use may require neuroimaging (magnetic resonance imaging [MRI] / contrast computed tomography) to rule out intracranial extension of sinusitis.

Combined minimally invasive surgical management of a nasal dermoid sinus cyst affecting the frontal sinus: literature review and new classification

Introduction

Nasal dermoid sinus cysts (NDSCs) are the most common lesions associated with midline craniofacial anomalies, in the majority of cases diagnosed during childhood. NDSCs affecting the frontal sinus are rare.

Aim

To demonstrate the clinical, radiological and diagnostic pitfalls of NDSCs affecting the frontal sinus.

Material and methods

A retrospective analysis of NDSCs affecting the frontal sinus with a literature review and a novel classification is presented.

Results

We present a rare and complex case of an NDSC in an adult patient that affected the frontal sinus. Endoscopic-assisted open rhinoplasty with endoscopic sinus surgery – Draf type 2B approach – was performed as an effective removal method of choice. A literature review supports our report.

Conclusions

NDSCs affecting the frontal sinus can mimic complications of sinusitis. A minimally invasive combined technique of endoscopic-assisted open rhinoplasty with endoscopic sinus surgery – Draf type 2B frontal sinus approach – is recommended for treatment.