Pathological Conditions affecting the Maxillary Sinus

Abstract

Radiography of the maxillary sinuses is often undertaken using computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, or the occipitomental plain radiographic projection (Waters projection). However the panoramic radiograph has been found useful for detection of “cyst-like densities” and can clearly demonstrates lesions arising from the maxillary dental arch [1]. Waters projection demonstrates the superior, inferior, and lateral margins of the maxillary sinuses while reflecting the shadows of the petrous temporal bones downward below the inferior margin of the maxillary sinuses [2]. It demonstrates well any soft tissue or fluid contents of the maxillary sinus [1]; however, this method does not display the cortices of the anterior and posterior wall of the maxillary sinus. Neither does the panoramic radiograph; hence computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are the methods of choice for imaging the maxillary and other paranasal sinuses.