Quantitative Assessment of Maxillary Sinus Dimensions and Volume in Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Antrochoanal Polyps: A Case-Control Study

Authors: Richi Sinha, Amit Kumar, Mahesh Kumar, Deepak Kumar, Sarita Kumari Mishra

DOI: 10.18231/j.ijoas.12933.1981990416

Keywords: Chronic rhinosinusitis; nasal polyps; antrochoanal polyp; maxillary sinus volume computed tomography.

Abstract: Background: Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is a common inflammatory condition (10% prevalence) characterized by a type 2 eosinophil-dominated inflammation. Anatomical factors that impair sinus drainage may contribute to disease, but the role of sinus volume in CRSwNP is unclear. Objective: To determine whether reduced maxillary sinus volume is associated with chronic maxillary rhinosinusitis with antrochoanal polyps (ACPs). Methods: In a prospective case-control study, 36 patients with unilateral ACP underwent nasal endoscopy and CT imaging. Maxillary sinus dimensions (anteroposterior, craniocaudal, mediolateral, and mid-axial width) were measured on CT, and sinus volume was calculated using PACS software. Each patient’s unaffected contralateral sinus served as the control. Paired t-tests compared case vs control measurements. Results: Maxillary sinuses with ACPs had a smaller mean volume (21.1 vs 24.5 cm³) than control sides, a difference trending toward significance (p = 0.053). The mean anteroposterior length was significantly reduced in ACP sinuses (3.82 vs 4.09 cm, p = 0.010). Differences in craniocaudal height and maximum width were not significant (p > 0.05). The mid-sinus width was slightly smaller in cases (2.68 vs 2.88 cm, p = 0.055). Conclusion: Maxillary sinuses affected by ACPs tended to be smaller, especially in the anteroposterior dimension, compared to healthy sinuses. This suggests a potential anatomical predisposition for ACP development, warranting confirmation in larger studies.