Frontal Recess Morphology and Frontal Sinus Cell Pneumatization Variations on Chronic Frontal Sinusitis

Abstract

Objective: The morphology and anatomical structure of the frontal sinus and recess are quite complex. The assessment of sinus ventilation is important in understanding the pathophysiology of chronic frontal sinusitis. The present study investigates the effects of frontal recess morphology, frontal beak thickness, and frontal sinus cell pneumatization variations on chronic frontal rhinosinusitis and examines the role of frontal beak thickness in frontal sinusitis. Methods: Frontal recess morphology, frontal sinus anatomy and pneumatization variations, and frontal beak thickness were analyzed with paranasal sinus-computed tomography scans, and the findings of the participants with and without frontal sinusitis were examined through logistic regression analysis. Results: Frontal beak thickness was greater in the chronic frontal rhinosinusitis group, while the frontal sinus ostium width and frontal recess width were greater in the control group (P < .001). The incidence of frontal air cells was statistically significantly higher in the chronic frontal rhinosinusitis group than in the control group (P < .05). Conclusion: The findings of our study reveal the narrowing of the frontal recess is an important factor in the development of chronic frontal sinusitis. Accordingly, frontal recess and frontal sinus anatomical structures should be assessed in detail in cases of chronic frontal sinusitis, and changes in these structures should be taken into consideration for treatment. The lack of any significant correlation between bone density and sinusitis suggests that chronic frontal sinusitis does not cause histopathological changes in the bony structure of the frontal beak.