Dental findings frequently overlooked in sinus computed tomography reports.

Abstract

ObjectivesComputed tomography (CT) and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) represent the main imaging modalities used in rhinosinusitis patients and are also important in odontogenic sinusitis (OS) diagnostics. Reports, however, often lack information on dentition. Here, we aimed to determine how maxillary dentition is initially interpreted in rhinosinusitis patients' CT/CBCT reports and which dental findings in particular are potentially missed, thus needing more attention.Study designCT/CBCT scans and radiological reports from 300 rhinosinusitis patients were analysed focusing specifically on dental findings. An experienced oral and maxillofacial radiologist re-evaluated the scans and the assessment was compared to the original reports using the McNemar test.ResultsFrom the 300 original reports, 233 (77.7%) mentioned the maxillary teeth. The most frequent statement (126/300, 42.0%) was 'no apical periodontitis'. Apical periodontitis and severe alveolar bone loss were significantly overlooked (p ConclusionsDental pathology remains underreported in rhinosinusitis patients' CT/CBCT reports. Because these reports affect OS diagnostics, a routine and structured review of the maxillary teeth by a radiologist is necessary. Such examinations should encompass the maxillary teeth.