Association between maxillary sinus pathology and odontogenic lesions in patients evaluated by cone beam computed tomography. A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: A study is made of the association between maxillary sinus pathology and odontogenic lesions in patients evaluated with cone beam computed tomography.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: A literature search was made in five databases and OpenGrey. Methodological assessment was carried out using the Newcastle-Ottawa tool for observational studies. The random-effects model was used for the meta-analysis.

RESULTS: Twenty-one studies were included in the qualitative review and 6 in the meta-analysis. Most presented moderate or low risk of bias. The periodontal disease showed to be associated with the thickening of the sinus membrane (TSM). Mucous retention cysts and opacities were reported in few studies. The presence of periapical lesions (PALs) was significantly associated to TSM (OR=2.43 (95%CI:1.71-3.46); I2=34.5%) and to odontogenic maxillary sinusitis (OMS) (OR=1.77 (95%CI: 1.20-2.61); I2=35.5%).

CONCLUSIONS: The presence of PALs increases the probability of TSM and OMS up to 2.4-fold and 1.7-fold respectively. The risk differences suggests that about 58 and 37 of out every 100 maxillary sinuses having antral teeth with PALs are associated with an increased risk TSM and OMS respectively. The meta-evidence obtained in this study was of moderate certainty, and although the magnitude of the observed associations may vary, their direction in favor sinus disorders appearance, would not change as a result.