Odontogenic sinusitis: A state‐of‐the‐art review

Imaging of Odontogenic Sinusitis

Odontogenic sinusitis (ODS) has been shown to be the most common cause of unilateral maxillary sinus opacification on computed tomography scans. Review of the maxillary alveolar ridge and maxillary tooth roots, and their relationships to the maxillary sinus floor is essential when interpreting paranasal sinus imaging. In recent years, ODS has received increased attention in the recent otolaryngologic and dental literature. This article will discuss technical considerations to optimize imaging of the paranasal sinuses and maxillary dentition, as well as both classic and nuanced radiologic findings of ODS.

Sinus Evaluation for Odontogenic Sinusitis

This article summarizes how to diagnose common and nuanced cases of odontogenic sinusitis (ODS) through a collaborative approach between otolaryngologists and dental specialists, with a heightened focus on the role of otolaryngologists in the diagnostic process. A critical part of the diagnostic framework is that otolaryngologists must confirm the infectious sinusitis but also suspect ODS to ensure he or she refers the patient to a dental specialist to confirm or refute ipsilateral infectious maxillary dental pathology. To confirm the purulent sinusitis of ODS, nasal endoscopy is most critical. Computed tomography imaging is an important part of the workup.

Pediatric Odontogenic Sinusitis: A Systematic Review

Background: Pediatric odontogenic sinusitis (PODS) is a rare condition with limited research on its clinical features, diagnostic criteria, and treatment options. The current guidelines on pediatric rhinosinusitis do not mention a possible dental origin of the disease. This systematic review aims to summarize and analyze the existing literature on PODS, focusing on epidemiology, etiology, diagnostic tools, complications, treatment options, and outcomes. Methods: A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA reporting guidelines. Electronic searches were performed in multiple databases using keywords related to PODS and therapeutic strategies. Original articles reporting data on treatment outcomes for PODS were included. Results: The review highlighted the scarcity of high-quality evidence on PODS. The literature mainly consists of case reports and low-grade evidence studies. Limited data on the epidemiology, etiology, diagnostic tools, complications, and treatment outcomes of PODS in children are available. Conclusions: Further research is needed to better understand the clinical features, diagnosis, and treatment of PODS in pediatric patients. High-quality studies are required to establish evidence-based guidelines for the management of this condition, especially given the apparently high rate of complications when compared to adult ODS.

Retrospective comparison of first-line treatments for odontogenic sinusitis based on duration of symptoms

Objectives

To investigate the clinical efficacy of dental treatment and endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS), each primary/combined treatment modality, in patients with odontogenic sinusitis (ODS), according to its phase, acute or chronic.

Materials and methods

We retrospectively reviewed clinical data on 172 patients diagnosed with ODS. They were divided into two groups: acute (≤ 3 months; 90 patients) and chronic (> 3 months; 82 patients) ODS. The success rate and time to resolution of each primary/combined treatment modality were compared between the two groups.

Results

In both ODS groups, the success rate was highest with combined ESS and dental therapy, followed by ESS alone and dental therapy alone. ESS outperformed dental therapy (96.6% vs 65.5% for acute ODS, p = 0.011; 80.6% vs 56.5% for chronic ODS, p = 0.046) and led to quicker resolution of symptoms for acute ODS than dental therapy (0.9 vs 1.7 months, p = 0.012). In the comparison between ESS alone and combined therapy, no significant difference was observed for acute ODS, whereas combined therapy demonstrated a superior success rate for chronic ODS (100% vs 80.6%, p = 0.046).

Conclusions

In our study, the clinical utility of dental treatment and/or ESS depended on the morbidity period of ODS. For chronic ODS, combined ESS and dental treatment seems to be an effective first-line treatment.

Trends of Odontogenic Sinusitis Incidence During the COVID-19 Pandemic

OBJECTIVES

The COVID-19 pandemic affected the epidemiology of several diseases. This study aims to compare the incidence of surgically treated odontogenic sinusitis (ODS) before and during the COVID-19 pandemic and identify unique features.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review of patients who underwent at least maxillary antrostomy at a tertiary referral center was performed. The patients were divided into two cohorts: "pre-COVID" (March 2018 to February 2020) and "COVID" (March 2020 to February 2022). Data on demographics, comorbidities, and treatment interventions were collected and analyzed.

RESULTS

Of the 734 patients who underwent maxillary antrostomy, 370 (50.4%) were operated on during the COVID period, with a mean age of 53.1 ± 15.7 years. ODS was found as the etiology of 22 (6%) and 45 (12.2%) of the pre-COVID and COVID cases, respectively (p = 0.006). Although no difference was found in the incidence of diabetes (p = 0.9) or obesity (p = 0.7) between groups, a trend toward higher incidence of immunosuppression was found in the pre-COVID patients (18.2% vs. 0%, p = 0.06). A higher incidence of sphenoid sinus involvement (31.8% vs. 8.9%, p < 0.05) was identified in the pre-COVID group; however, no differences in ethmoid (86.4% vs. 86.7%, p = 0.999) or frontal sinus involvement (54.5% vs. 37.8%, p = 0.3) were found between the groups.

CONCLUSION

There was an increase in the incidence of ODS during the first 2 years of the COVID-19 pandemic compared to the 2 years prior. Similar clinical characteristics were found in both groups. Future studies focusing on specific etiologies to explain ODS preponderance may help determine optimal treatment and prevention strategies.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

3 Laryngoscope, 134:1597-1602, 2024.

Expert consensus on odontogenic maxillary sinusitis multi-disciplinary treatment

ABSTARCT

Odontogenic maxillary sinusitis (OMS) is a subtype of maxillary sinusitis (MS). It is actually inflammation of the maxillary sinus that secondary to adjacent infectious maxillary dental lesion. Due to the lack of unique clinical features, OMS is difficult to distinguish from other types of rhinosinusitis. Besides, the characteristic infectious pathogeny of OMS makes it is resistant to conventional therapies of rhinosinusitis. Its current diagnosis and treatment are thus facing great difficulties. The multi-disciplinary cooperation between otolaryngologists and dentists is absolutely urgent to settle these questions and to acquire standardized diagnostic and treatment regimen for OMS. However, this disease has actually received little attention and has been underrepresented by relatively low publication volume and quality. Based on systematically reviewed literature and practical experiences of expert members, our consensus focuses on characteristics, symptoms, classification and diagnosis of OMS, and further put forward multi-disciplinary treatment decisions for OMS, as well as the common treatment complications and relative managements. This consensus aims to increase attention to OMS, and optimize the clinical diagnosis and decision-making of OMS, which finally provides evidence-based options for OMS clinical management.

["Radical" versus "functional" surgery of the paranasal sinuses-A contradiction?]

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

The terms "functional" and "radical" paranasal sinus surgery were often considered to be different operations which were mutually exclusive. This overview aims to look at the basics of these terms and surgical procedures and to work out the resulting surgical concepts for clinically relevant indications.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Selective literature analysis using the data base PubMed, corresponding textbooks and resulting secondary literature regarding functional and radical or extended paranasal sinus surgery. Similarly, the current literature regarding clinically relevant indications for sinus surgery were analyzed.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

Modern pathophysiological knowledge, anatomically and pathophysiologically substantiated endoscopic surgical procedures and the usage of up to date technical possibilities have resulted in concepts which combine functional and so-called radical or extended surgery of the paranasal sinuses that complement each other and sometimes even overlap. The preoperative diagnosis and definition of underlying diseases are decisive and should be as precise as possible, as the extent and surgical details mainly depend on them: a sole creation of free drainage pathways, an additional creation of anatomical access for subsequent topical treatment or a complete (radical) removal of a pathological process.

Endo-Periodontal Lesions-An Overlooked Etiology of Odontogenic Sinusitis

The aim of this study was to analyze the oral etiology of patients with odontogenic sinusitis (ODS) and to compare the differences in demographic data, clinical symptoms, extent of sinus involvement, bone penetration of the maxillary sinus floor (MSF) between different etiologies. A retrospective investigation was conducted on 103 patients with ODS recruited from Beijing TongRen Hospital. All enrolled patients underwent sinus CT, nasal endoscopy, and oral examination. A comparison of the patients' clinical symptoms, the extent of involvement of the sinuses, and bone resorption of the MSF according to odontogenic etiologies was conducted. Follow-up was based on symptoms and clinical examination. The most common odontogenic etiologies were endo-periodontal lesions (EPLs, 49.5%), apical periodontitis (AP, 32.0%), and periodontitis (PE, 8.7%). There were statistically significant differences in age (p = 0.002), sex (p = 0.036), inflammation involving the ethmoid sinus (p = 0.037), and bone penetration of the MSF (p < 0.001) between the AP, EPL, and PE groups. There were no significant differences in sinusitis symptoms (p > 0.005) among patients with different odontogenic etiologies. In conclusion, EPL is a neglected oral etiology with a destructive effect on the bone of the MSF, which deserves more attention in diagnosis and treatment.

Factors Influencing Recurrence after Surgical Treatment of Odontogenic Maxillary Sinusitis: An Analysis from the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Point of View

The aim of the study was to determine the factors influencing the development of recurrence after the surgical treatment of odontogenic maxillary sinusitis in an oral and maxillofacial surgery clinic over a 7-year period. Demographic and anamnesis data, clinical and radiological findings, treatment and outcome were analyzed. A multivariable analysis was performed to find associations between patient age, causative focus, surgical access for sinus revision, multilayer closure with a buccal fat pad, inferior meatal antrostomy (IMA) for temporary sinus drainage and sinusitis recurrence. A total of 164 patients with a mean age of 51.7 years were included. Sinusitis recurrence was observed in nine patients (5.48%) within 6 months after primary surgery. No significant correlation was detected between patient age, causative focus, surgical access for sinus revision, multilayer closure with a buccal fat pad, IMA for sinus drainage and the development of recurrence (p > 0.05). Patients with a history of antiresorptive-related osteonecrosis of the jaw showed a significant tendency toward disease recurrence (p = 0.0375). In conclusion, except for antiresorptive administration, none of the investigated variables were related to a higher risk of sinusitis recurrence. We encourage a combined approach of intraoral removal of the infective focus and sinus drainage via FESS, as well as an individual treatment decision in a multidisciplinary setting with collaboration between dentistry, maxillofacial surgery and otorhinolaryngology to avoid sinusitis recurrence.

Visualization of clinically silent, odontogenic maxillary sinus mucositis originating from periapical inflammation using MRI: a feasibility study

OBJECTIVES

Maxillary sinus mucositis is frequently associated with odontogenic foci. Periapical inflammation of maxillary molars and premolars cannot be visualized directly using radiation-based imaging. The purpose of this study was to answer the following clinical question: among patients with periapical inflammatory processes in the maxilla, does the use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), as compared to conventional periapical (AP) and panoramic radiography (OPT), improve diagnostic accuracy?

METHODS

Forty-two subjects with generalized periodontitis were scanned on a 3 T MRI. Sixteen asymptomatic subjects with mucosal swelling of the maxillary sinus were enrolled in the study. Periapical edema was assessed using short tau inversion recovery (STIR) sequence. Apical osteolysis and mucosal swelling were assessed by MRI, AP, and OPT imaging using the periapical index score (PAI). Comparisons between groups were performed with chi-squared tests with Yates' correction. Significance was set at p < 0.05.

RESULTS

Periapical lesions of maxillary premolars and molars were identified in 16 subjects, 21 sinuses, and 58 teeth. Bone edema and PAI scores were significantly higher using MRI as compared to OPT and AP (p < 0.05). Using the STIR sequence, a significant association of PAI score > 1 and the presence of mucosal swelling in the maxillary sinus was detected (p = 0.03).

CONCLUSION

Periapical inflammation and maxillary mucositis could be visualized using STIR imaging. The use of MRI may help detect early, subtle inflammatory changes in the periapical tissues surrounding maxillary dentition. Early detection could guide diagnostic criteria, as well as treatment and prevention.

Endoscopic-assisted approaches for enucleation of invaded sinonasal region by benign odontogenic cysts: a case series study

Background

During surgical planning for the excision of odontogenic cysts and tumors, surgeons should consider choosing the appropriate endoscopic approach to reach all parts of the maxillary sinus and cyst walls during its enucleation. Using the endoscopic trans-nasal approaches results in less than one-third of the maxillary sinus being reached regardless of antrostomy or angled instruments used. Also, the expansion process and involvement of maxillary sinuses in odontogenic cysts and tumors are variable, adding more difficulties during excision. This study aimed to assess the expansion process of large benign odontogenic cysts and tumors involving nasoantral regions and adaptability to different endoscopic approaches for enucleation. Six patients were included in this case series study. Preoperative panoramic views plain film radiography, and computed tomography scans were obtained. Lesion characteristics, relation to teeth origin, the nose, and maxillary sinus wall displacement, location of lesions about typical vertical and horizontal nasomaxillary constructions, and associated inflammation of the paranasal sinuses were evaluated. Three surgical approaches were tailored, allowing viewing and endoscopic enucleation.

Results

Four periapical (radicular) cysts, one ameloblastoma, and one calcifying epithelial odontogenic tumor, ranging in size from 3 to 5 cm, were enucleated endoscopically in patients aged 15–40 years. Intra-sinus expansion of the cyst and lesion level above the nasal floor allowed endoscopic enucleation using wide middle meatal antrostomy in 1 (17%). Lesions localized to the anterior wall and the nasal process of the maxilla permitted endonasal minimal rhinotomy approach in 1 (17%). Central lesions, cyst extension below the level of the nasal floor, and lateral wall expansion with or without anterior maxillary wall scalloping had adequate exposure using a minimal sublabial approach in four patients (67%). Together with its role in complete enucleation, endoscopy allowed associated rhinosinusitis surgical treatment in five patients (83%).

Conclusion

Tailoring surgical approaches to the expansion process allowed endoscopic enucleation of large odontogenic cysts/tumors without wall remnants. The integrity of the Schneiderian membrane was preserved, protecting the critical surrounding structures.

Odontogenic Sinusitis: From Diagnosis to Treatment Possibilities-A Narrative Review of Recent Data

The maxillary sinus is a structure at the border of specialties: otorhinolaryngology and maxillofacial surgery. Due to this fact, regarding etiology, it can be affected by both the rhinogenic and odontogenic path and can impose diagnostic difficulties. The etiopathogenic mechanisms that can affect the Schneiderian membrane are mainly inflammatory, iatrogenic, traumatic, and tumorous in nature. From a microbiological point of view, the bacteriology is polymorphic, including both aerobic and anaerobic species in acute OS, the predominating species in acute OS being aerobic, and in chronic anaerobic germs. The role of fungi in the determination of this pathology and in the production of the biofilm that leads to resistance to antibiotic treatment is also discussed. The present paper aims to present the etiopathogenesis, bacteriology, clinical manifestations, as well as treatment of odontogenic sinusitis (OS) from an updated perspective through reviewing the literature. If unilateral maxillary sinusitis is usually due to odontogenic causes, this does not clinically exclude the possibility of strictly rhinogenic causes in the occurrence of sinusitis. This underlines the important role of complex oral and rhinological clinical examination as well as the role of preclinical examinations in specifying the certainty diagnosis. Simple radiography, orthopantomography, CT, and CBCT are compared in terms of diagnostic accuracy. The treatment of OS is complex, involving medication, dental, and surgical measures. The value of endoscopic surgery is emphasized, comparing its advantages over the classic Caldwell-Luc technique.